1993 Geo Tracker

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1993 Owner’s Manual Table of Contents C . .’acker Introduction How to Use This Manual ...... 1 Part 1 Seats & Safety Belts...... 11 I Part 2 Features & Controls ...... 43 I

Part 3 Comfort Controls 81 Audio Systems rn ,101 Part 4 Your Driving and the Road...... 117 I Part 5 Problems on the Road ...... 189 I

Part 6 Service & Appearance Care...... 221 1 Part 7 Maintenance Schedule ...... 281 1 Part 8 Customer Assistance Information ....311 Including “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 315. I Part9 Index...... 325 Service Station Information ....Last Page

Printed in U.S.A. Part No. 10213056 A First Edition Please keep this manual in your Geo, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the product after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Chevrolet/Geo Division whenever it appears in this manual.

For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual Aux propribtaires canadiens:Vous pouvez vousprocurer un exemplaire dece 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, GM and the GM emblem, General Motors Corporation Chevrolet and the Chevrolet emblem, Geo and the Geo emblem are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation.

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 - fun. 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 - with Tracker - 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. , Welcome to the world of Geo. I

Jim Perkins General Manager

. . -4 Part 1: Seats & Safety Belts This part tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. How to Use This Part 2: Features & Controls Manual that’s in the manual, and the page This part explains how to start and Many people read their owner’s manual number where you’ll find it. operate your Geo. from beginning to end when they first Part 1-8: Each part of this manual Part 3: Comfort Controls & Audio receive their new vehicle. This will help begins with a brief list of its contents, so Systems you learn about the features and controls you can often find at a glance if a part This part tells you how to adjust the for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll contains the information you want. ventilation and comfort controls and find that pictures and words work How to Use This Manual how to operate your sound system. together to explain things quickly. This part tells you how to use your Part 4: Your Driving and the Road Index: A good place to look for what manual and includes safety and vehicle Here you’ll find helpful information and you need is the Index in back of the damage warnings and symbols. manual. It’s an alphabetical list of all tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions. 5.. . How to Use this Manual

Safety Warnings and Symbols Part 5: Problems on the Road Part 8: Customer Assistance You will find a number of safety This part tells you what to do if you Information cautions in this book. We use yellow have a problem while driving, such as a This part includes important information and the word CAUTION to tell you flat tire or engine overheating. 3bout reporting safety defects and gives about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning. Part 6: Service & Appearance Care you details about the “Roadside 4ssistance” program. You will also find In the yellow caution area, we tell you Here the manual tells you how to keep mstomer satisfaction phone numbers what the hazard is. Then we tell you your Geo running properly and looking (including customer satisfaction numbers what to do to help avoid or reduce the good. for the hearing and speech impaired) as hazard. Please read these cautions. If Part 7: Maintenance Schedule well as the mediationlarbitration you don’t, you or others could be hurt. This part tells you when to perform procedure. We’ve also included ordering vehicle maintenance and what fluids and information for service publications in lubricants to use. this part. Service Station Information This is a quick reference of service information. You can find it on the last page of this manual. I..6 I

Vehicle Damage Warnings I‘ou will also find a red circle with a Also, in this book you will find these When you read other manuals, you lash through it in this book. This safety blue notices: might see CAUTION and NOTICE ymbol means “Don’t,’’ “Don’t do In the blue notice area, we tell you warnings in different colors or in his,” or “Don’t let this happen.” about something that can damage your different words. In this manual, we’ve vehicle. Many times, this damage would used the familiar words and colors that not be covered by your warranty, and it Geo has used for years. could be costly. But the notice will tell You’ll also see warning labels on your you what to do to help avoid the vehicle. They use the same colors, and damage. the words CAUTION or NOTICE.

7... How to Use this Manual

Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you will These symbols are important for you find on your vehicle. For example, these and your passengers whenever your symbols are used on an original battery: vehicle is driven: Caution Possible injury Fasten Safety Belts i Headlight High Beam Headlight Low Beam Protect Eyes by Shielding These symbols have to do with your lights: Caustic Battery Acid Parking Lights Could Cause Burns Master Lighting Switch Brightness Control Avoid Sparks or Flames Turn Signal Direction

5aytime Running Lights Hazard Warning Flasher Sparks or Flame Could (Canada) Explode Battery A These symbols are on some of your controls:

Windshield Wiper Rear Window Wiper Air Conditioning AIC and Washer

Windshield Washer w Rear Window Wiper Ventilating Fan

Windshield Defroster Rear Window Defogger Q How to Use this Manual

These symbols are used on warning and Here are some other symbols you may indicator lights: see:

Engine Coolant Hood Release Temperature

Battery Charging Brake Lighter System E3 Fuel w Horn

I.. 10 Part 1 Seats & Safety Belts

Here you’ll find information Seats and Seat Controls ...... 12 about the seats in your Geo and Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone ...... 18 how to use your safety belts Why Safety Belts Work ...... 19 properly. You can also learn Here Are Questions Many People Ask about about some things you should Safety Belts - and the Answers ...... 22 Safety Belt Reminder Light ...... 23 not with safety belts . do How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ...... 23 Children ...... 30 Child Restraints...... 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 Front Seat This section tells you about the seats - Move the lever under the front seat to how to adjust them, and also about unlock it. Slide the seat to where you reclining from seatbacks, head want it. Then release the lever and try A restraints, seatback latches, easy entry You can lose control of the to move the seat with your body, to seats, folding rear seat and reclining L vehicle if you try to adjust a make sure the seat is locked into place. rear seatbacks, manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and canfuse you, or make you push a pedal when you don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving.

...12 I .. RecliningFront Se, iacks

To adjust the seatback, lift the lever on IW the outer side of the seat. Release the lever to lock the seatback where you Sitting ina reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be want it. Pull up on the lever and the seat L dangerous. Even if youbuckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when will go to its original upright position. you’re reclined like this. But don’t have a seatback reclined if The shoulder belt can’t do its job because it won’t be against your body. Instead, your vehicle is moving. it will be infront of you. In a crash you couldgo into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can’t do its job either.In a crash the belt couldgo 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 wellback in the seat andwear your safety beltproperly.

13-= Seats & Safety Belts

Head Restraints Easy Entry Seats Head restraints are fixed on some To raise or lower the restraint, push in The front seats of your vehicle make it vehicles and adjustable on others. Slide the release while you pull up or push easy to get in and out of the rear seat. an adjustable head restraint up or down down on the restraint. When you pull up on the recliner so that the top of the restraint is closest release lever, the seatback will tilt to the top of your ears. This position forward and the whole seat will slide reduces the chance of a neck injury in a forward. crash. After someone gets into the rear seat area, move the seatback to its original position. Then move the seat rearward until it locks. e- ??’..

To get out, pull the release handle on folding Rear Seat A ~f easy entry seat isn’t the rear of the right front seat. The rear seat in your Geo folds to - b locked, it can move. h a provide more cargo space. sudden stop or crash, the person To fold the rear seat, lower the rear sitting there could injured. And, be seatback and then flip the whole rear even if there is crash or sudden no seat up against the front seats. stop, a driver sitting in an unlocked easy entry seat could be 1. Swing the safety belt buckles forward startled by the sudden movement and down. 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 is locked. I Seats & Safety Belts -

2. Pull the knobs on both sides of the 3. Fold the seatback down. 4. Unlock the bottom part of the seat: seatback. On the one-piece rear seat, pull If you have the split rear seat, you out the release ring. can fold half of the seat by pulling On the split rear seat, lift the only the knob on the side you wish to release lever on either seat. fold. 5. Lift the bottom of the seat up and push it toward the front of the vehicle.

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6. Find the support bar on the bottom o 7. Pull the inner end of the support off To unfold the rear seats: the seat. This bar keeps the rear seat of the seat bracket and swing it Keep your hands, safety belts and other from unfolding. down. objects away from where the seat will 8. Push the support bar into the floor rest. bracket. Be sure the support bar is 1. Pull the support bar out of the floor secured, 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.

17-99 Seats & Safety Belts

Safety Belts: They’re for

4. Pull the seatback up and push it back Everyone ~~~ ~ to lock it into place. This part of the manual tells you how to Don’t let anyone ride where 5. Push and pull the top of the seatback use safety belts properly. It also tells A they can’t wear a safety belt to be sure the seatback is locked in you some things you should not do with properly. If you are in a crash and position. safety belts. 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.

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Why Safety Belts Work This figure lights up when you turn the You never know if you’ll be in a crash. When you ride in or on anything, you key to ON or START when your safety If you do have a crash, you don’t know go as fast as it goes. belt isn’t buckled, and you’ll hear a if it will be a bad one. For example, if the bike is going chime, too. It’s the reminder to buckle A few crashes are very mild. In them, 10 mph (16 km/h), so is the child. UP- you won’t get hurt even if you’re not In many states and Canadian provinces, buckled up. And some crashes can be sa the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s serious, like being hit by a train, that why: They work. 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! Seats & Safety Belts 1 A A

When the bike hits the block, it stops. Take the simplest “car.” Suppose it’s Put someone on it. But the child keeps going! just a seat on wheels. r- -- L

Get it up to speed. Then stop the “car.” The person keeps going until stopped by or the instrument panel . . . The rider doesn’t stop. something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield . . . Seats & Safety Belts

rn Here Are Questions or the safety belts! Many People Ask about Q: Why don’t they just put in air With safety belts, you slow down as the Safety Belts - and the bags so people won’t have to wear vehicle does. You get more time to stop. Answers safety belts? You stop over more distance, and your A: “Air bags, ” or Supplemental strongest bones take the forces. That’s Q: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle Inflatable Restraint systems, are in why safety belts make such good sense. after an accident if I’m wearing a some vehicles today and will be in safety belt? more of them in the future. But they A: You could be - whether you’re are supplemental systems only - so wearing a safety belt or not. But you they work with safety belts, not can easily unbuckle a safety belt, instead of them. Every “air bag” even if you’re upside down. And system ever offered for sale has your chance of being conscious required the use of safety belts. during and after an accident, so you Even if you’re in a vehicle that has can unbuckle and get out, is much “air bags,” you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That’s greater if you are belted. true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions. Safety Belt Reminder H How to Wear Safety Q: If I’m a good driver, and I never Light Belts Properly drive far from home, why should I When the key is turned to ON or Adults wear safety belts? START, a light will come on for about This section is only for people of adult A: You may be an excellent driver, but eight seconds to remind people to fasten size. if you’re in an accident - even one their safety belts. Unless the driver’s that isn’t your fault - you and your safety belt is buckled, a chime will also passengers can be hurt. Being a sound, good driver doesn’t protect you There are special things to from things beyond your control, know about safety belts and such as bad drivers. children. And there are different Most accidents occur within 25 rules €or babies and smaller miles (40 km) of home. And the children. If a child will be riding greatest number of serious injuries in your Geo, see the section after and deaths occur at speeds of less this one, called “Children.” than 40 mph (65 km/h). Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. Safety belts are for everyone. Seats & Safety Belts

1 Y

First, you’ll want to know which Lap-Shoulder Belt 3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the restraint systems your vehicle has. The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. belt across you. Don’t let it get We’ll start with the driver position. Here’s how to wear it properly. twisted. 1. Close and lock the door. 4. Push the latch plate into the buckle Driver Position until it clicks. 2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see This section describes the driver’s “Seats” in the Index) so you can sit If the belt isn’t long enough, see restraint system. up straight. “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.

9.924 5. To make the lap part tight, pull down The lap part of the belt should be worn Q: What’s wrong with this? on the buckle end of the belt as you low and snug on the hips, just touching A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It pull up on the shoulder belt. the thighs. In a crash, this applies force won’t give nearly as much to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be protection this way. less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause GAU I IUN serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the You can be seriously hurt if shoulder and across the chest. These your shoulder belt is too parts of the body are best able to take loose. In a crash you would move belt restraining forces. forward too much, which could lAincrease injury. The shoulder belt The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or crash or if you pull the belt very I should fit against your body. quickly out of the retractor. Seats & Safety Belts I1 r

Q: What’s wrong with this? Q: What’s wrong with this? A: The belt is buckled in the wrong A: The shoulder belt is worn under the You can be seriously injured place. arm. It should be worn over the P b if you wear the shoulder belt shoulder at all times. 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 I You can be seriously injured belt would apply too much force to if your belt is buckled in the the ribs, which aren’t as strong as wrong place like this. In a crash, shoulder bones. You could also the belt would go up over your severely injure internal organs like abdomen. The belt forces would bc your liver or spleen. there, not at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you. I Safety Belt Use during 2: What’s wrong with this? To unlatch the belt, just push the button Pregnancy \: The belt is twisted across the body. on the buckle. The belt should go back Safety belts work for everyone, out of the way. including pregnant women. Like all Before you close the door, be sure the occupants, they are more likely to be belt is out of the way. If you slam the seriously injured if they don’t wear You can be seriously injured door on it, you can damage both the belt safety belts. A pregnant woman should A by a twisted belt. In a crash, and your vehicle. wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap you wouldn’t have the full width portion should be worn as low as of the belt to take impact forces. If possible throughout the pregnancy. a belt is twisted, make it straight The best way to protect the fetus is to so it can work properly, or ask protect the mother. When a safety belt is your dealer to fix it. 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 Rear Seat Passengers Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a The right front passenger’s safety belt It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident crash. And they can strike others in the works the same way as the driver’s vehicle who are wearing safety belts. safety belt. See “Driver Position,” statistics show that unbelted people in earlier in this part. the rear seat are hurt more often in When the shoulder belt is pulled out all crashes than those who are wearing the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go safety belts. back all the way and start again.

...28 1

The rear seats have lap-shoulder belts. 3. To make the lap part tight, pull down The lap part of the belt should be worn Here’s how to wear one properly. on the buckle end of the belt as you low and snug on the hips, just touching 1. Pick up the latch plate and pull it pull up on the shoulder part. the thighs. In a crash, this applies force across you. Don’t let it get twisted. to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If 2. Push the latch plate into the buckle you slid under it, the belt would apply until it clicks. force at your abdomen. This could cause When the shoulder belt is pulled out all serious or even fatal injuries. The the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go shoulder belt should go over the back all the way and start again. shoulder and across the chest. These If the belt is not long enough, see parts of the body are best able to take “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of belt restraining forces. this section. The safety belt locks only if there’s a Make sure the release button on the sudden stop or a crash, or if you pull it buckle faces upward or outward so you very quickly out of the retractor. would be able to unbuckle it quickly if you ever had to. Seats & Safety Belts

Smaller Children and Babies

Children Smaller children and babies Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! A should always be restrained in 4 You can be seriously hurt if That includes infants and all children a child or infant restraint. The -your shoulder belt is too smaller than adult size. In fact, the law instructions for the restraint will loose. In a crash you would move in every state and Canadian province say whether it is the right type and forward too much, which could says children up to some age must be size for your child. A very young increase injury. The shoulder belt restrained while in a vehicle. child’s hip bones are so small that should fit against your body. a regular belt might not stay low on the hips, as it should. Instead, the belt will likely be over the To unlatch the belt, just push the button child’s abdomen. In a crash the on the buckle. 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

Child Restraints UAU I IUN Be sure to follow the instructions for the Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby restraint. You may find these doesn’t weigh much - until a crash. During a crash a baby will become instructions on the restraint itself or in a so heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash at only 25 mph booklet, or both. These restraints use (40 km/h), a 12-pound (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-pound the belt system in your vehicle, but the (1 10 kg) force on your arms. The baby would be almost impossible to hold. child also has to be secured within the Secure the baby in an infant restraint. 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 Top Strap Accident statistics show that children are An unsecured child restraint If your child restraint has a top strap, it safer if they are restrained in the rear W can move around in a should be anchored. ollision or sudden stop and injure rather than the front seat. We at General The only place in your vehicle where II people in the vehicle. Be sure to Motors therefore recommend that you you can use a child restraint with a top properly secure any child restraint put your child restraint in the rear seat strap is in the front passenger seat. unless the child is an infant and you’re in your vehicle - even when no the only adult in the vehicle. In that child is in it. case, you might want to secure the restraint in the front seat where you can keep an eye on the baby. Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the child restraint properly. Attaching the Top Strap - Right CAUTION Front Passenger Position Only Pull the rear sear lap-shoulder belt all A ThL,,rn is no place to anchor aDl If the child restraint is equipped with a the way out to switch it to the ratcheting -child restraint with a top strap top strap, follow these instructions for mode. Allow the lap-shoulder belt to behind the rear seats of your securing it. Once a child restraint with a feed back into the retractor. Listen for vehicle. In a crash, the child top strap has been secured in the right clicking to be sure the safety belt restraint with a top strap would not front seat (see “Securing a Child remains in the ratcheting mode. be properly secured in a rear seat, Restraint in the Right Front Seat” in the If slack remains in the top strap, move so the child’s injuries could be Index), hook the top strap to the latch the right front seat forward just enough increased. Don’t try to anchor a plate on the right rear seat lap-shoulder to eliminate the slack. child restraint with a top strap in a belt. When a child restraint with a top strap is rear seat. Then, remove as much slack as possible being used, no one can sit in the right from the top strap. rear position.

33.m. Seats & Safety Belts

Securing a Child Restraint in the Rear Seat 1. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow 4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button faces upward or You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. the instructions for the child restraint. outward, so you’ll be able to See the earlier section about the top unbuckle it quickly if ever need strap if the child restraint has one. 2. Secure the child in the child restraint you as the instructions say. to. 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. 5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all 6. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder 7. Push and pull the child restraint in the way out of the retractor to set the belt into the retractor while you push different directions to be sure it is lock. down on the child restraint. 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

Securing a Child Restraint in the 3. Pull out the vehicle’s safety belt and 5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all Right Front Seat run the lap part through or around the way out of the retractor to set the You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. the restraint. The child restraint lock. See the earlier section about the top instructions will show you how. strap if the child restraint has one. See if the shoulder belt would go in This is the only place in your vehicle front of the child’s face or neck. If where you can use a child restraint with so, put it behind the child restraint. a top strap. 4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the 1 . Put the restraint on the seat. Follow release button faces upward or the instructions for the child outward, so you’ll be able to restraint. unbuckle it quickly if you ever need to. 2. Secure the child in the child restraint as the instructions say.

‘9.36 .-P

Larger Children 6. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder 7. Push and pull the child restraint in Children who have outgrown child belt back into the retractor while you different directions to be sure it is restraints should wear the vehicle’s push down on the child restraint. secure. safety belts. To remove the child restraint, just Accident statistics show that children are unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let safer if they are restrained in the rear it go back all the way. seat. But they need to use the safety The safety belt will move freely again belts properly. and be ready to work for an adult or Children who aren’t buckled up can larger child passenger. be thrown out in a crash. Seats & Safety Belts

Children who aren’t buckled up can I CAUTION Q: What if a child is wearing a strike other people who are. Never do this. lap-shoulder belt, but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is Here two children are wearing I h very close to the child’s face or me same belt. The belt can’t neck? properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be I A: Move the child toward the center of crushed together and seriously the vehicle, but be sure that the injured. A belt must be used by shoulder belt still is on the child’s only one person at a time. shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide. Safety Belt Extender Checking Your Restraint CAUTION If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten Systems A Never do this. around you, you should use it. Now and then, make sure all your belts, L h Here a child is sitting in a But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to buckles, latch plates, retractors, seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, fasten, your dealer will order you an anchorages and reminder systems are but the shoulder part is behind the extender. It’s free. When you go in to working properly. Look for any loose child. If the child wears the belt in order it, take the heaviest coat you will parts or damage. If you see anything this way, in a crash the child wear, so the extender will be long that might keep a restraint system from might slide under the belt. The enough for you. The extender will be doing its job, have it repaired. belt’s force would then be applied just for you, and just for the seat in your right on the child’s abdomen. That vehicle that you choose. Don’t let could cause serious or fatal someone else use it, and use it only for injuries. the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just I attach it to the regular safety belt. 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. 39. Seats & Safety Belts

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rn Replacing Safety Belts afler a Crash Q: What's wrong with this? Before replacing any safety belt, see A: The belt is torn. your dealer for the correct part number. If you've had a crash, do you need new You'll need the model year and the belts? model number of your vehicle. The After a very minor collision, nothing Torn or frayed belts may not model year is on your title and may be necessary. But if the belts were registration. And you can find the model stretched, as they would be if worn 1 b protectyou in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. number on the certification/tire label of during a more severe crash, then you If a belt is torn or frayed, get a your vehicle. need new belts. new one right away. The model number on the replacement If belts are cut or damaged, replace belt must be listed on the safety belt you them. Collision damage also may mean want to replace. you will have to have safety belt parts like the retractor replaced or anchorage locations repaired - even if the belt wasn't being used at the time of the collision.

...40 Notes Notes Part 2 Features & Controls

Keys ...... 44 Door Locks ...... 45 Theft ...... 47 New Vehicle “Break-In” ...... 48 Ignitionswitch ...... 48 Starting Your Engine ...... 49 Driving through Deep Standing Water ...... 50 Automatic Transmission...... 51 Here you can learn about the Five-Speed Manual Transmission ...... 54 many standard and optional Four-wheel Drive ...... 57 features on your Geo. and Parking ...... 60 EngineExhaust ...... 64 information on starting. shifting Windows ...... 66 and braking . Also explained are Horn ...... 67 the instrument panel and the Tiltwheel ...... 67 warning systems that tell you if The Turn Signal/Lights Control/Headlight Beam Lever ...... 67 everything is working properly - Interior Lights ...... 71 and what to do if you have a Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever ...... 72 problem Rear Window Wiper/Washer ...... 73 . Mirrors ...... 74 Storage and Compartments ...... 75 SunVisors ...... 76 Passenger Assist Grips ...... 76 Ashtrays and Lighter ...... 77 Instrument Panel and Clusters ...... 80 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators ...... 82 ConvertibleTop ...... 87 43.- Features & Controls

1 IKeys One key is used for the ignition, the doors, and all other locks. When a new Tracker is delivered, the Leaving young children in a dealer removes the metal plate from the vehiclewith the ignition key I key ring and gives it to the first owner. is dangerous for many reasons. A The metal plate has a code on it that child or others could be badly tells your dealer or a qualified locksmith injured or even killed. how to make extra keys. Keep the code They could operate controls or in a safe place. If you lose your keys, even make the vehicle move. you’ll be able to have new ones made Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle easily using this code. with young children. I H Door Locks

There are several ways to lock and From the inside, push down the button unlock your vehicle: on the door. Passengers - especially children - can easily open the doors and From the outside: Use your key. To To unlock the door, pull up on the fall out. When a door is Iocked, lock the door, turn the key clockwise as button. the inside handle won’t open it. far as it will go. Leaving Your Vehicle Outsiders can easily enter through The lock switch on the driver’s door If you are leaving the vehicle, open the an unlocked door when you slow will not work when the door is open. door and set the locks from inside. Then down or stop your vehicle. This prevents the driver from being get out and close the door. locked out. This may not be so obvious: You Pull up on the outside door handle as increase the! chance of being you close the door. thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if tbe doors aren’t locked. Wear safety belts properly, lock your doors, and you will be far better off whenever ywdrive your 1 vehicle. 45. - Features & Controls

It can be dangerous to drive with the tailgate window open, Carbon monoxide (CO)gas Tailgate If you have a convertible, be sure to can come into your vehicle. You Use your key to lock or unlock your unzip the rear plastic window before can’t see or smell CO. It can cause tailgate. opening the tailgate. See “Opening and unconsciousness and even death. Closing Your Rear Window” in the If you must drive with the taiIgate Index. Open the tailgate with the bottom window open: of the window still attached to the tailgate. 0 Make sure all ather windows an shut. When closing the tailgate be sure: Tmthe fan on your heating or Both lower corner canvas top flaps cooling system to its highest are facing outward so they do not get speed with the setting on u. caught in the tailgate. That will force outside air into The zipper connector is engaged your vehicle. See L4C~f~~ correctly or you could damage your Controls” in the Index. zipper. * If you have air vents on or under tbc’instrument panel, open them at1 the way* I meft Vehicle theft is big business, especially Key in the Ignition: If you walk away Parking at Night: Park in a lighted in some cities. Although your Geo has a from your vehicle with the key inside, spot, close all windows and lock your number of theft-deterrent features, we it’s an easy target for joy riders or vehicle. Remember to keep your know that nothing we put on it can make professional thieves - so don’t do it. valuables out of sight. Put them in a it impossible to steal. However, there When you park your Geo and open the storage area, or take them with you. are ways you can help. 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.

47. = Features & Controls

New Vehicle “Break-In ’’ A

Your modern Geo doesn’t need an m Ignition Switch :laborate “break-in.” But it will With the key in the ignition switch, you when the ignition is in ACC or LOCK perform better in the long 1 can turn the switch to four positions: and the key is in the ignition. Use this 1 follow these guideli~ LOCK (A): The only position in which position if your vehicle must be pushed you can remove the key. This locks or towed. your steering wheel, ignition and ON (C): Position to which the switch automatic transmission. Press in the returns after you start your engine and ignition switch as you turn the top of it release the switch. The switch stays in toward you. the ON position when the engine is If you have an automatic transmission, running. But even when the engine is the ignition switch cannot be turned to not running, you can use ON to operate LOCK unless the shift lever is in the your electrical power accessories, and to P (Park) position. display some instrument panel warning lights. ACC (B): Position in which you can operate your electrical power START (D): Starts the engine. When accessories. It unlocks the steering the engine starts, release the key. The wheel and ignition. A warning chime ignition switch will return to ON for will sound if you open the driver’s door normal driving. c 4 Starting Your Engine Note that even if the engine is not Automatic Transmission: Move your Manual Transmission: Shift your gear running ACC and ON allow you to shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). selector to neutral and hold the clutch operate your electrical accessories, such Your engine won’t start in any other pedal to the floor while starting the as the radio and ventilation fan. position - that’s a safety feature. To engine. Your vehicle won’t start if the restart when you’re already moving, use clutch pedal is not all the way down - N (Neutral) only. that’s a safety feature. 1. Don’t push the accelerator pedal before starting your engine. In some

I other vehicles you might need to do Don’t try to shift to P (Park) if this, but because of your vehicle’s your Geo is moving. If you do, computer systems, you don’t. you could damage the 2. Turn your ignition key to START. transmission. Shift to P (Park) When the engine starts, let go of the only when your vehicle is stopped. I key.

49.’. Features & Controls

IDriving through Deep 3. If it doesn't start right away, hold IVUI lLt Standing Water 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.

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 ~ag~~~ gz <&!Kg::, starter motor. p-,'*'Q,&P'F$+

If your engine still won't start, call your dealer for help. ...50 r GAU I IUN I 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 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 Automatic Transmission suddenly. You or others could be There are several different positions for injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, when you’re on fairly your shift lever. I P (Park) range before starti& the level ground, always set your engine. Your Geo has a parking brake and move the shift P (Park) brake-transmission shift interlock. You lever to (Park). This locks your rear wheels. It’s the P have to fully apply your regular brakes best position to use when you start your If you have four-wheel drive, your before you can shift from P (Park) engine because your vehicle can’t move vehicle will be free to roll - even when the ignition is in the ON position. easily. if your shift lever is in P (Park) - I If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease if your transfer case is in pressure on the shift lever - push the N (Neutral). So, be sure the shift lever all the way into P (Park) and transfer case is in a drive gear - also release the shift lever button on not in N (Neutral). floor shift console models - as you See “Shifting into P (Park)’’ in maintain brake application. Then move the Index. If you are parking on a the shift lever into the gear you wish. hill, or, if you’re pulling a trailer, (Press the shift lever button before also see “Parking on Hills” or moving the shift lever on floor shift “Towing a Trailer’’ in the Index. models.) See “Shifting Out of P (Park)’’ in the Index. 51 ..= Features & Controls

R (Reverse) N (Neutral) Use this gear to back up. In this position, your engine doesn’t 1 Shifting out of P (Park) or N

connect with the wheels. To restart ~ 1 (Neutral) while your engine is when you’re already moving, use N “racing’’ (running at high speed) (Neutral) only. Also, use N when your is dangerous. Unless your foot is Shifting to R (Reverse) white your vehicle is being towed. firmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle is moving forward could vehicle could move very rapidly. damage vwr transmission. Shift to You could lose control and hit :r vour vehicle is people or objects. Don’t shift out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) while your engine is racing. 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 - Going about 15 mph (25 h/h) or 2 (Second Gear) Damage to your transmission more, push your accelerator pedal all This position gives you more power but caused by shifting out of P Park) the way down. lower fuel economy. You can use 2 on or N (Neutral) with the engi You’ll shift down to the next gear and hills. It can help control your speed as racing isn’t covered by your have more power. you go down steep mountain roads, but warranty. then you would also want to use your brakes off and on. D (Drive) This position is for normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and you’re: going slower than 65 mph - Going less than about 15 mph (105 km/h) with the transfer (25 km/h), push your accelerator in 4H or 35 mph (55 h/h) wit1 pedal about halfway down. the transfer case in 4L, or you can damage your transmission

53.m. Features & Controls

IFive-Sveed Manual L (Low Gear) IVUI IbC Transmission This position gives you even more This is your shift pattern. Here’s how to power (but lower fuel economy) than 2. operate your transmission: You can use it on very steep hills, or in 1 (Fist Gear) - Press the clutch deep snow or mud. If the selector level pedal and shift into 1. Then slowly let is put in the transmission won’t shift L, up on the clutch pedal as you press into low gear until the vehicle is going the accelerator pedal. slowly enough. You can shift into 1 when you’re I NOTICE 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 above 40 mph (65 km/h) with the lever in Neutral and let up on the transfer case in 4H or 20 mph clutch. Press the clutch pedal back (35 km/h) with the transfer case in down. Then shift into 1. 4L, or you can damage your

...54 2 (Second Gear) - Press the clutch To Stop - Let up on the accelerator You cannot go from 5 (Fifth Gear) into pedal as you let up on the accelerator pedal and press the brake pedal. Just R (Reverse). If you try, you will be pedal and shift into 2. Then, slowly before the vehicle stops, press the locked out. You must first shift into let up on the clutch pedal as you press clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and Neutral, move the lever to the left, back the accelerator pedal. shift to Neutral. to the right, and then shift into 3, 4 and 5 (Third, Fourth and Fifth Neutral - Use this position when R (Reverse). This is a safety feature. Gears) - Shift into 3, 4 and 5 the you start or idle your engine. same way you do for 2. Slowly let up R (Reverse) - To back up, press on the clutch pedal as you press the down the clutch pedal and shift into accelerator pedal. R. Let up on the clutch pedal slowly Shift to R (Reverse) only after while pressing the accelerator pedal. 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) If you skip more than one gea~ AccelerationShiftSpeed Cruise ShiftSpeed when you downshift, or if 1 Engine 1to2 2to3 4to5 1to2 2to3 3to4 4to5 race3to4 the engine when you downshift, you can damr-- thc 1.6L L4 15 27 3411 47 29 21 41 clutch or transmission (24) (43) (55) (76) (18) (34) (47) (66)

This chart shows when to shift to the next higher gear for best fuel economy. LAUI IUlV If you skip more than one If your speed drops below 20 mph A (32 km/h), or if the engine is not L gear when you downshift, you running smoothly, you should downshift could lose control of your vehicle. to the next lower gear. You may have to And you could injure yourself or downshift two or more gears to keep the others. Don’t shift from 5 to 2 or engine running smoothly or for good 4 to 1. performance. . . 56 Four-wheel Drive CAUTION I It can be dangerous to get out 4 b of your vehicle if the shift [f your vehicle has four-wheel drive, rcyeris not fdly in P (Park) you can send your engine’s driving Driving in 4H or 4L positions for (automatic transmission) or power to all four wheels for extra a long time on dry or wet (Reverse) (manual transmission) traction. To shift out of two-wheel drive R pavementcould shorten thP 1 nf with the parking brake firmly set. and into four-wheel drive, lock the your vehicle’s drivetrain. If you have four-wheel drive, also free-wheeling hubs and move the be sure the transfer case is in a transfer case shift lever to 4H or 4L drive gear. Your vehicle can roll. (see the following). You should use 2H If you have left the engine for most normal driving. running, the vehicle can move Rear wheel anti-lock brakes do not work suddenly. You or others could be when you shift into four-wheel drive. injured. To be sure your vehicle Your regular brakes will still work. won’t move, follow the step When you shift back into two-wheel below. If you are parking on a drive, your rear wheel anti-lock brakes hill’, or if you’re pulling a trailer, will take over again. see “Parking on Hills” cw “Towing a Trailer” in the Index. Features & Controls

Free- Wheeling Hubs Your vehicle may have either manual or Manual To unlock the hubs, turn the hub dials to automatic free-wheeling hubs. You must To lock or unlock the hubs, you must FREE. lock the hubs before you use 4H or 4L. park your vehicle (see “Shifting into Automatic P (Park)” or “Parking Your Vehicle” With automatic free-wheeling hubs, you in the Index) and get out. To lock the don’t have to get out of the vehicle to hubs, turn the hub dials to LOCK. lock or unlock the hubs. To lock the hubs: 1. Stop your vehicle. Don’t drive in 2H with the manual 2. Shift the transfer case to 4H or 4L. locking hubs in LOCK. If yo1 3. Drive slowly forward and the hubs you could damage your front will lock. driveshaft parts. 7 I Transfer Case To unlock the hubs: The transfer case shift lever is on the 4L: This setting also engages your front 1. Stop your vehicle. floor to the right of the driver. Use this axle to give you extra traction, but lever to shift into and out of four-wheel should be used only for driving downhill 2. Drive seven feet (two meters) in the drive. An indicator light comes on when or on slippery surfaces when you’re direction opposite to the direction the transfer case is in 4H or 4L. driving slower than 35 mph (55 km/h). you were driving before you stopped. 2H: This setting is for driving in most Remember that driving in 4H or 4L may 3. Then, press the clutch if you have a street and highway situations. Your front reduce fuel economy. Also, driving in manual transmission, and shift the axle is not engaged in two-wheel drive. four-wheel drive on dry pavement could transfer case to 2H. The hubs will cause your tires to wear faster and make unlock. 4H:This setting engages your front axle to help drive your vehicle. Use 4H your transfer case harder to shift. when you need extra traction, such as You can shift from 2H to 4H or from on wet or icy roads, or in most off-road 4H to 2H at any speed if your hubs are situations. locked and your wheels are straight N (Neutral): Shift to this setting only ahead. Your front axle will engage when your vehicle needs to be towed. faster if you take your foot off the accelerator pedal for a few seconds as you shift. Features & Controls I '9

R :

1.1 rn Parking To shift into or out of 4L: Parking Brake To set the parking brake: Hold the brake pedal down and pull up on the 1. Stop your vehicle and shift your The parking brake lever is located parking brake lever. If the ignition is transmission to N (Neutral). between the seats. on, the brake system warning light will 2. Shift the transfer case in one come on. continuous motion. Don't pause in N (Neutral) as you shift into 4H, or your gears could clash.

900 Shifiing into P (Park) (AUTOMATIC TRANSMlSS/ON)

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, If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move To release the parking brake: Hold the If you are on a hill: See “Parking on suddenly. You or others could be brake pedal down. Pull the parking Hills” in the Index. That section shows injured. To be sure your vehicle brake lever up until you can push in the how to turn your front wheels. won’t move, when you’re on fairly release button. Hold the release button If you are towing a trailer and are level ground, use the steps that in as you move the brake lever all the parking on any hill: See “Towing a follow. way down. Trailer” in the Index. That section If you have four-wheel drive and shows what to do first to keep the trailer your transfer case is in I NOTICE from moving. N (Neutral), your vehicle will be free to roll even if your shift lever Driving with the parking brake on is in P (Park). So, be sure the can cause your rear brakes to transfer case is in a drive gear - overheat. You may have to replac= not in N (Neutral). them, and you could also dvwe other parts of your vehicle. 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)

A It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with the engine 1. Hold the brake pedal down with your running. Your vehicle could move If you have to leave your vehicle with right foot and set the parking brake. suddenly if the &ifl lever is not the engine running, be sure your vehicle fully in P (Park) with the parking is in P (Park) and your parking brake is 2. Move the shift lever into the P (Park) brake firmly set. position like this: firmly set before you leave it. If you If you have f0.w-wheel drive and have four-wheel drive, be sure that the Hold in the button on the lever, your -fer weis. in transfer case is in a drive gear - not in and push the lever all the way N (Neutral), your vehicle will be N (Neutral). After you've moved the toward the front of your vehicle. free to roll, even if your shift lever shift lever into the P (Park) position, 3. If you have four-wheel drive, be sure is in P (Park). So be sure the hold the regular brake pedal down. the transfer case is in a drive gear - transfer case is in a drive gear - Then, see if you can move the shift not in N (Neutral). not in N (Neutral). lever away from P (Park) without first 4. Move the ignition key to LOCK. And, if you leave the vehicle with pushing the button. If you can, it means the engine running, it could that the shift lever wasn't fully locked 5. Remove the key and take it with you. into P (Park). If you can walk away from your overheat and even catch fire. You vehicle with the ignition key in your or others could be injured. Don't hand, your vehicle is in P (Park). leave your vehicle with the engine running unless you have to. Shifling out of P (Park) I Parking Your Vehicle (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) If you ever hold the brake pedal down (MANUAL TRANSMISSION) Your Geo has a brake-transmission shift but still can’t shift out of P (Park), try Before you get out of your vehicle, put interlock. You have to fully apply your this: your manual transmission in R (Reverse) regular brake before you can shift from 1. Apply and hold the brake until the and firmly apply the parking brake. P (Park) when the ignition is in the ON end of step 3. If you have four-wheel drive, be sure position. See “Automatic Transmission” 2. Start the vehicle if it’s not already your transfer case is in a drive gear. in the Index. running. Your vehicle could roll if it isn’t. If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease 3. Pull the knob near the parking brakc pressure on the shift lever - push the handle and then shift to the drive shift lever all the way into P (Park) and gear you want. also release the shift lever button on floor shift console models as you 4. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as maintain brake application. Then move you can. the shift lever into the gear you wish. (Press the shift lever button before moving the shift lever.) Features & Controls

Engine Exhaust # t

Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas carbon Amonoxide (CO),which you can’t see or smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death. You might have exhaust coming in Parking over Things That Burn if: If you are parking on a hill, or if you’re Your exhaust system sounds vehicle is equipped to tow a trailer, see strange or different. uwuI IVIY “Parking on Hills” or “Towing a Your vehicle gets rusty Trailer’ ’ in the Index. Things that burn could touch underneath. L L hotexhaust parts under your Your vehicle was damaged in a vehicle and ignite. Don’t park over collision. papers, leaves, dry grass or other Your vehicle was damaged when things that can burn. 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. CAUTION Idling the engine with the air system control off could allow dangerous A 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 c your vehicle even if the fan switch is at the highest setting. One place this Running Your Engine While can happen is a garage. Exhaust - with CO - can come in easily. NEVER You’re Parked park in a garage with the engine running. (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) Another closed-in place can be a blizzard. (See “Blizzard” in the Index.) It’s better not to park with the engine It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in running. But if you ever have to, here P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don’t are some things to know. 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 - not in N (Neutral). Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle won’t move. See “Shifting into P (Park)” in 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. Features & Controls

......

Windows Use the window crank to open and close Rear Vent Windows (Option) To close the window, pull the latch in each door window. To open a rear vent window, pull the and back. latch out and forward. c H Horn I Tilt meel (OPTION) H I;he Turn SignaULights To sound the horn, press the horn 1 tilt steerng wheel allows you to adjust CoPttrolHeadlight Beam symbol on your steering wheel. he steering wheel before you drive. lou can also raise it to the highest level Lever o give your legs more room when you The lever on the left side of the steering :xit and enter the vehicle. column includes your: ?o tilt the wheel, hold the steering Turn Signal and Lane Change vheel and lower the lever. Move the Indicator teering wheel to a comfortable level, Headlight High/Low Beam and hen raise the lever to its highest Passing Signal losition to lock the wheel in place. Lighting Operation

67 Features & Controls

Turn Signal and lane Change lndicator A green arrow on the instrument panel If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help The turn signal has two upward (for will flash in the direction of the turn or avoid an accident. If the green arrows don’t go on at all when you signal a Right) and two downward (for Left) lane change. positions. These positions allow you to To signal a lane change, just raise or turn, check the fuse (see “Fuses and signal a turn or a lane change. lower the lever until the green arrow Circuit Breakers’’ in the Index) and for burned-out bulbs. To signal a turn, move the lever all the starts to flash. Hold it there until you way up or down. When the turn is complete your lane change. The lever finished, the lever will return will return by itself when you release it. automatically. 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. r

Opentiun of Lights Although your vehicle's lighting system may require that you operate your low Turn the outside portion of the lever to (headlamps, parking lamps, fog lamps, beam lamps with fog lamps at all times, control the lights. There are three side marker lamps and taillamps) meet or that headlamps be turned on positions for the light switch. all applicable Federal lighting whenever you must use your windshield In OFF, all lights are turned off. requirements, certain States and wipers. In addition, most jurisdictions Provinces may apply their own lighting prohibit driving solely with parking The middle position turns on the regulations that may require special lamps, especially at dawn or dusk. It is parking lights, taillights, license plate attention before you operate these recommended that you check with your light and the instrument panel lamps. For example, some jurisdictions own State or Provincial highway lighting; the headlights are off. authority for applicable lighting The third position turns on the regulations. 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

Daytime Running fights (DM) Daytime Running f ights Headlight High/Low Beam lndicator Light (Canada) (Canada) First, you must have the headlights on. If your vehicle was first sold, when The Canadian Federal Government has (See “Lights” in the Index.) Then, pull new, in Canada, you will have this light decided that “Daytime Running Lights” the turn signal lever toward you for low on the instrument panel. It goes on (DRL) are a useful feature, in that DRL beams. For high beams, push the lever whenever the Daytime Running Lights can make your vehicle more visible to away from you. When the high beams are on. pedestrians and other drivers during are on, a blue light on the instrument daylight hours. DRL are required on panel also will be on. It will go off new vehicles sold in Canada. when you switch to low beam. The low beam headlights will come on Passing Signal at reduced brightness in daylight when: With the lever in the low beam position, The ignition is on pull the lever toward you to The headlight switch is off, and momentarily switch to high beam (to The parking brake is released. signal that you are going to pass). When When you turn on your headlights, the you release the lever, the headlights will return to low beam operation. DRL will switch off and the exterior lights wil come on. When you turn off 4 Interior Lights the headlights, the exterior lights will go Dome Light Brightness Control out and the low beams will change to The dome light has a three position This knob controls the brightness of the reduced brightness of DRL again. switch. your instrument panel lights. Turn the The DRL indicator light on the 1. The light turns on and stays on knob to the right to brighten the lights instrument panel will go on whenever whether or not a door is open. or to the left to dim them. the DRL are on. This light means that only the DRL are on. When you turn on 2. The light comes on when a door is your exterior lights, this light will go opened. out, 3. The light stays off even when a door Of course, you may still turn on the is open. 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. Features & Controls

W@er/WasherLever For a single wiping cycle, push the lever The lever on the right side of the to MIST. Holdit there until the wipers Damagedwiper blades may steering column controls the windshield start, then let go. The wipers will stop prevent youfrom seeing well wipers and washers. after one cycle. If you want more enough in a storm to drive safely. cycles, holdthe lever on MIST longer. Toavoid damage, be sure to clear Move the wiper switch to the position you want: Washers fromsnow andI I ice the wiper I Pull the wipedwasher lever toward you blades before using them. If OFF - The wipers are off. they're frozen to the windshield, to spray washer fluid on the windshield. INT - Intermittent wiper operation The spray will continue until you release carefully loosen or thaw them. If your blades do become damaged, (if your Tracker has this). In light the lever. This will also turn on the low rain or snow, you might want to use meed wiDers. get new blades or blade inserts. this position rather than continuous c I wiping. Heavy snow or ice can overload your LO - The wipers will run wipers. A circuit breaker will stop them continuously at low speed. until the motor cools. Clear away snow HI - The wipers will run or ice to prevent an overload. continuously at high speed.

19.72 r NOTICE When using concentrated washer fluid, follow the manufacturer’c instructions for adding wate- Weedwasher ICa B Don’t mix water with J Driving withoutwasher I ready-to-use washer fluid. Wa To turnon your rear wiper, push Q. ’ 1 fluid can be dangerous. A can cause the solution to freez Pushagain to turn it off. I bad mudsplash can block your I and damage your washer fluid To spray washer fluid on the rear vision. You could hit mother tank and other parts of the windowpush about halfway down. vehicle or go off the road. washer system. Also, wate~ Washerfluid will spray as long as you Check your washer fluid level loesn’t clean as well as washe hold u.To wash and wipe at the often. luid . same time, push 0all the way in. * In freezing weather, don’t use her fluid tank Only The washerand w&er will run aslong your washer until the windshield fullwhen it’s very cc as you hold r\J . To addwasher fluid, is warmed. Otherwise the This allows for expansion, see “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the washer fluid can form ice on the which could damage the tank ifIndex. windshield, blocking your * 5 completely full. vision. Don’t use radiator antifreeze in {our windshield washer. It can damage your paint.

I I 73... Features & Controls

Mimors Inside Rearview Mirror Convex Outside Mirror Outside Manual Adjust Mirrors An inside rearview mirror is attached Your right side mirror is convex. The mirrors should be adjusted by hand above your windshield. The mirror has a A convex mirror's surface is curved so so that you can just see the side of your pivot so that you can adjust it up and you can see more from the driver's seat. vehicle, when you are sitting in a down or side to side. comfortable position. Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror You can adjust the mirror for day or night driving. Pull the tab for night

daytime driving.

...74 ..

>torage and Compartpnents Door Storage Compartments Front Seat Side Pockets Glove Box Your doors have a storage compartment. On the outside of each front seat is a To open the glove box, pull the latch storage pocket. toward you. Use your key to lock and Instrument Panel Bins unlock the glove box. On the top center of the instrument panel is a storage bin. Features & Controls

Sun Visors H Passenger Assist cirtps Coinholder and Bin To block out glare, you can swing down Your Geo may have assist grips. Your console has a coinholder and a the visors. Passengers can use the grips to help small storage bin. You can also swing them to the side. If keep their balance over rough roads or the visors swing too easily, tighten the during sharp turns. screw on the roof rail. I rn Ashtrays and Lighter Front Ashtray Other Ashtrays Cigarette Lighter Pull the door to open it. To remove the Other ashtrays are located in the rear To use the lighter, push the lighter in all ashtray, press down on the tab and pull trim panels. To remove the ashtray, the way and let go. When it’s ready, it out the ashtray. press down on the tab and pull the will pop back by itself. ashtray out.

I I IWL Don’t hold a cigarette lighter in Don’t put papers and other things with your hand while it is heating. that bum into your ashtrays. If you If you do, it won’t be able to back do, cigarettes or other smoking I away from the heating element materials could set them on fire, when it’s ready. That can make it causing damage. overheat, damaging the lighter and I the heating element II Features & Controls Instrument Panel 1. AirVent 10. Lighter 19. Ignition Switch 2. Side Defroster Vent 1 1. Assist Grip 20. Horn 3. Turn SignaULights 12. Glove Box 21. Fuse Block ControVHeadlight Beam Lever 13. Transmission Shift Lever 22. Rear Window Defogger Switch 4. Instrument Cluster 14. Coinholder and Bin 23. Brightness Control 5. Hazard Warning Flasher 15. Transfer Case Shift Lever 6. Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever 16. Parking Brake Lever 7. Rear Window Wiper Switch 17. Ashtray 8. Comfort Controls 18. Rear Window Washer Switch 9. Audio System

79. = Features & Controls

rn Instrument Panel and US. shown; Canada similar Clusters you’ll need to know to drive safely and Speedometer and Odometer economically. Your speedometer lets you see your Your instrument cluster is designed to Optional Cluster speed in both miles per hour (mph) and let you know at a glance how your kilometers per hour (km/h). Your vehicle is running. You’ll know how If you have the optional cluster, your instrument panel gives you additional odometer shows how far your vehicle fast you’re going, about how much fuel has been driven, in either miles (used in you have left, and many other things information. The cluster includes a tachometer. U.S. shown; Canada similar the U.S.) or kilometers (used in You may wonder what happens if a Trip Odometer Canada). vehicle has to have a new odometer The trip odometer can tell you how far Your Geo’s odometer is installed. If possible, the new one has to your vehicle has been driven since you tamper-resistant. If you can see silver be set to the same reading the old one last set the trip odometer to zero. lines between the numbers, probably had. If it can’t be, then it’s set at zero, but a label on the driver’s door must To set the trip odometer to zero, press someone has tried to turn it back. The the knob. numbers may not be true. show the old reading and when the new one was installed.

81 9.9 Features & Conrrols

Wanting Lights, Gages Tachometer and Indicators Warning lights go on when there may be The tachometer shows engine speed in This section describes the warning lights or is a problem with one of your thousands of revolutions per minute and gages that may be on your vehicle. vehicle’s functions. As you will see in (rpm). You can use it while driving to The pictures will help you locate them. the details on the next few pages, some select correct shift points. The warning lights come on briefly when Warning lights can signal that something you turn the ignition key just to let you tachometer may not return to zero when is wrong before it becomes serious the engine is not running. know they’re working. If you are enough to cause an expensive repair or familiar with this section, you should replacement. Paying attention to your not be alarmed when this happens. warning lights and gages could also save NOTICE you or others from injury. Gages can indicate when there may be Do not operate the engine with the or is a problem with one of your tachometer in the red area vehicle’s functions. Often’ gages and engine damage may occur warning lights work together to let you know when there’s a problem with your vehicle.

9 82 c

When one of the warning lights comes Fuel Gage At the gas station, the gas pump shuts on and stays on when you are driving, Your fuel gage shows about how much off before the gage reads F. or when one of the gages shows there fuel is in your tank. When the gage first It takes more (or less) gas to fill up may be a problem, check the section indicates E, you still have a little fuel than the gage reads. For example, the that tells you what to do about it. Please left (about one or two gallons), but you gage reads 1/2 full, but it took more follow the manual’s advice. Waiting to need to get more right away. (or less) than half of the tank’s do repairs can be costly - and even capacity to fill it. dangerous. So please get to know your Here are four concerns some owners warning lights and gages. They’re a big have had about the fuel gage. All these The gage moves a little when you help. situations are normal and do not indicate turn, stop or speed up. that anything is wrong with the fuel When you turn the engine off, the gage. gage doesn’t go back to E.

83. 9 Features & Controls

Brake System Warning Light This light will also come on when you Your Geo’s hydraulic brake system is set your parking brake, and it will stay $ Your brake system may not divided into two parts. If one part isn’t on if your parking brake doesn’t release be working properly if the working, the other part can still work fully. If it stays on after your parking brake warning light is on. Driving and stop you. For good braking, though, brake is fully released, it means you with the brake warning light on you need both parts working well. may have a brake problem. can lead to an accident. If the light is still on after you’ve pulled off Your vehicle also has rear wheel If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. You the road and stopped carefully, anti-lock brakes. If the warning light have the vehicle towed for service. goes on, there could be a brake problem may notice that the pedal is harder to I with either your regular or rear wheel push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the anti-lock brakes, or both. Have your floor. It may take longer to stop. If the brake system inspected right away. light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service. (See “Towing Your This light should come on as you start Vehicle” in the Index.) 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. . . .a4 -I I L

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage Charging System Light Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check This gage shows the engine coolant This light will come on briefly when Engine Light) temperature. If the gage pointer moves you turn on the ignition, but the engine A computer monitors operation of your to the “H” (red) side, your engine is is not running, as a check to show you it fuel, ignition and emission control too hot! It means that your engine is working. Then it should go out when systems. The light should come on when coolant has overheated and you should the engine starts. If it stays on, or the ignition is on, but the engine is not stop your vehicle and turn off the engine comes on while you are driving, you running, as a check to show you it is as soon as possible. may have a problem with the electrical working. If it does not come on at all, HOT COOLANT CAN BURN YOU charging system. It could indicate that have it fixed right away. If it stays on, BADLY! you have a loose generator drive belt, or or comes on while you are driving, the another electrical problem. Have it computer is indicating that you have a In “Problems on the Road, ” this checked right away. Driving while this problem. You should take your vehicle manual shows what to do. See “Engine light is on could drain your battery. in for service soon. Overheating’’ in the Index. If you must drive a short distance with thelight on, be certain to turn off all your accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner. 85.9. Engine Oil Pressure Light When the ignition is on but the engine If you keep driving your vehicle If you have a problem with your oil, is not running, the light will come on with this light on, after a while the this light may stay on after you start as a test to show you it is working, emission controls won’t work as your engine, or come on when you are but the light will go out when you well, your fuel economy won’t be driving. This indicates that there is not turn the engine to START. If it as good and your engine may not enough pressure to keep your engine doesn’t come on with the ignition on, run as smoothly. This could lead properly lubricated and cool. The engine you may have a problem with the fuse to costly repairs not covered by could be low on oil, or could have some or bulb. Have it fixed right away. your warranty. other oil related problem. Have it fixed Sometimes when the engine is idling right away. at a stop, the light may blink on and The oil light could also come on in three off. This is normal. other situations. If you make a hard stop, the light may come on for a moment. This is normal.

-8.86 Convertible Top (OPTION) I- CAUTlON ~- ICYour convertible top features a sunroof, Don’t keep driving if the oil a removable rear window and a A Don’t change the center A pressure is low. If you do, removable canvas top. -pillars or horizontal roof your engine can become so hot support. These parts are designed that it catches on fire. You or to help protect you and passengers others could be burned. Check in a crash. Don’t add anything, your oil as soon as possible and like light bars or roll bars, to these have your vehicle serviced. parts, either. If the center pillars or horizontal roof support are ever damaged, be sure to have them repaired as soon as possible so NOTlCE they’ll be able to protect you in a Damage to your engine from crash. neglected oil problems can costly and is not covered by your

I * Never raise or lower the top while the-vehicle .is moving, or drive with any part of the top unfastened or partially -removed. The wind Could t under ‘it and cause- damage. The parts of your convertible top are: 1I 1. Top Latch Do not take.your vehicle through an a Bow

your convertible -top. . . ’ 2. Front Top Bow 0 ,Don? try to lower or raise the conver le top or tap or beat on the plasti 3. Horizontal Roof Support windows if your car is out in ddweatIq.4 1OF (5°C) or below. The. cold. 4. Rear Top Bow can cause cracks -andother damage ta th ;inb---rs and to the top as it is. ’ : 5. Strap being lowered or-raised 6. Strut I... ..e Don’t.lower the top if it is dl. p or w After E tc is down, the trapp . ~. 7. Clamp .- ----iter-- cause stains, mildew and damage to *% in-’Je of your car. Be .. &e to dry -off:&e top.before you lower it. 8. Center Pillar * Don’t lowerthe convertible top if the rear f or sic: wndol are di 9. Roof Rail I Dirt could scratch the side windows.. The convertible top isn’t designed to carry weight. Never let anyone sit on the top, and don’t put anything on top. of it when it is up, or it could be damaged. ’ I . 9 -88 3

3pening and Closing Your Sunroof 3. Unhook the latch from the front top 4. Swing the front top bow up and back I. Lower your antenna and swing your bow. while folding the canvas top out from sun visors down. between the top bow and the roof support. Be sure that you don’t pinch !. Squeeze the front top bow latch the canvas top between the front top buttons and pull the latch back. bow arms and the roof rails.

89- 9 Features & Controls

5. Unfasten the holding strap near the Opening and Closing Your Rear 2. Unzip the rear window. If the zipper dome light and pull it through the Window is hard to move, you can lubricate it slot in the front top bow. Make sure your rear window is clean with beeswax, bar soap or silicone 6. Fasten the holding strap to itself. before you try to remove it. See spray. Remove the window. 7. Push the front top bow latches down “Special Care of Canvas Top” in the Index. until they “click. ” 8. Swing your sun visors up and raise 1. Unfasten the lower left corner flap to your antenna. uncover the zipper pull. Reverse the steps to close your sunroof. Be sure your front top bow is latched securely. It can be dangerous to drive A 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 Removing and Installing Your Rear 4. Lay the rear window inside-up on a window open: Window clean, dry, flat surface and roll the Make sure all other windows arc 1. Unfasten the lower corner flaps on rear window from the bottom to the shut. both sides. top. Turn the fan on your heating or 2. There are two places on the canvas Reverse the steps to install the rear cooling system to its highest on the tailgate marked PULL. Pull at window. Be sure the rear window is speed with the setting on= . each place to unhook the rear completely closed before driving. That will force outside air into window frame from the tailgate. Removing and Installing Your Canvas your vehicle. See “Comfort Also, pull the canvas at the center of TOP Controls” in the Index. the tailgate. 1. Lower your antenna and swing your If you have air vents on or I 3. Unzip and remove the rear window. sun visors down. under the instrument panel, open 2. Remove your rear window. See them all the way. “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 5. Unfasten the rear side windows from 7. Squeeze the front top bow latch that connect the rear top bow to the the frames. buttons and pull the latch back. side window frames. 6. Hook the frames back to the body of 4. From inside your vehicle, push out your vehicle. on the lower front corner metal Be sure the strap is above the frame support of the rear side window so you don't pinch the strap between frames. the frame and the body of the vehicle. Snap the strap on the frame to itself. 8. Unhook the latch from the front top 9. Swing the front top bow back so 1 1. Unsnap the tension straps at the bow. you'll have some slack in the roof rails and pull the straps out of canvas top. the plastic loops. IO. Unhook the canvas top from the front top bow. 12. Unsnap the flaps near the dome 13. Slide out the rear corner pieces. 14. Unsnap the canvas from the rear light, that hold the canvas top to the top bow. roof support. 15. Remove the canvas top from the vehicle and lay inside-up on a clean, dry, flat surface.

...94 16. Pull up and back on the rear top 18. Swing down the rear top bow and Reverse the steps to install your canvas bow struts and swing each strut secure it with the strap at the inside top. Be sure: forward. center of your tailgate. The front top bow is securely latched. 17. Clamp the struts to the rear top 19. Pull the front top bow forward and The rear side window frames are bow. lock it in place. 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.

95-.= I 1 Features & Controls

Preparing Your Canvas Top for 2. Fold the side windows onto the top. 3. Fold the front part of the canvas top Storage over the windows. 1. Lay the canvas top inside-up on a 4. Lay the rear window on top of the clean, dry, flat surface. folded canvas top.

...96 5. Roll the canvas top around the rear window. 6. Store in a clean, dry location.

97. = Notes Notes

99. Notes

mm. 100 Part 3 Comfort Controls& Audio Systems

Inthis part you'll find out how to Comfort Controls ...... 102 operate the comfort control Heater Controls ...... 102 system and audio systems Heating ...... 103 offered with your Geo . Be sure to Bi-LevelHeating ...... 103 read about the particular system Ventilation ...... 103 Defogging and Defrosting Windows ...... 104 supplied with your vehicle . Air Conditioner Controls ...... 104 Cooling ...... 104 Dehumidifying ...... 105 Rearwindow Defogger ...... 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 Heater Controls With this system, you can control the Air Intake Lever -9 : This position directs air toward heating and ventilation in your Geo. If a:Choose this position to recirculate the floor, the windshield and side you have the air conditioning option, the inside air through the comfort windows. you can also control cooling, control system. till, : This position directs air to the Your vehicle also has the flow-through m:Choose this position to circulate windshield. ventilation system described later in this outside air through the comfort control Temperature Control Lever section. system. Slide the lever to change the temperature Airflow Lever of the air flowing from the heating Use this lever to direct the airflow. system. Move it toward the right for warmer air and to the left for cooler air. *;: This position directs the airflow The temperature of the air can not be through the instrument panel vents. less than the temperature of the outside \#do : This position directs air through air. the instrument panel vents and toward Fan Control Lever the floor. : Slide this lever to turn the heating WP: This position directs air toward system on or off. Move the lever toward the floor. to increase the fan's speed. Heating Bi-Level Heating Ventilation 1. For the quickest results, move the air You may want to use bi-level heating on For mild outside temperatures when intake lever tom. cool, but sunny days. This setting little heating or cooling is needed, you 0 2. Move the airflow lever to wd . directs cool air toward your body and can still direct outside air through your warmer air toward your feet. vehicle. 3. Move the temperature lever toward the right for warmer air. 1. Move the air intake lever tom. 1. Move the air intake lever tom. 4. Move the fan lever toward # . 2. Movethe airflow lever to . 2. Movethe airflow lever to . 5. You shouldswitch to once in a 3. Move the temperature lever to the 3. Adjust the temperature lever to a while to avoid stale air and cloudy center. comfortable setting. windows. 4. Movethe fan lever toward # . 4. Movethe fan control lever to . Comfort Controls& Audio Systems

I Air Conditioner Controls Cooling The air conditioning system uses the The air conditioner works best if you 1. Slide the air intake lever to =. same controls as the heating system. The keep your windows closed. On very hot function of each lever is explained under days, open the windows just long 2. Slide the airflow lever to Q to “Heater Controls” in this part. The enough for the hot air to escape. direct air to the windshield vents. incoming air is cooled and dehumidified 1. Push the A/C button. 3. Slide the temperature lever toward instead of being heated. the right. 2. Move the air intake lever to A/C: Push this button to change your for normal cooling. For faster 4. Slidethe fan lever to # . comfort control system from heating to cooling move the lever tom. air conditioning. A light will come on When the windshield is clear, turn down 3. Move the airflow lever to -$ the fan speed. when the air conditioning is on. The . 4. Move the temperature control lever To defog the side windows, slide the A/C button can also control the toward the left. airflow lever to ZJ. For increased humidity in your vehicle. airflow to the side vents, close the 5. Move the fan control lever to # . center vents.

...104 Dehumidifying RearWindow Defogger (OPTIO~V) I On days when it is raining or the The rear window defogger uses a humidity is high, follow these warming grid to remove fog from the Don’t use a razor blade dehumidifying steps instead of the rear window. something else sharp on the inside cooling directions. It will help clean Press the switch to turn on the defogger. of the rear window. If you do, yc windows that are cloudy with moisture. An indicator light will come on below could cut or damage the warming 1. Push the A/Cbutton. the switch to remind you that the grid, and therepairs would1 be 2. Move the air intake lever tom. defogger is on. Press the switch again to covered by your warranty. turn the defogger off. The rear window 3. Movethe airflow lever to . defogger will also turn off if you turn 4. Move the fan control lever toward the ignition switch to ACC or LOCK. s- Do not attach anything like a temporary 5. Adjust the temperature control lever vehicle license or a decal across the to a comfortable setting. defogger grid on the rear window. Comfort Controls& Audio Systems

rmw-rirmuflh Ventilation System H Audio Systems Your Geo's flow-through ventilation Ventilation Tips Your Delco@audio system has been system supplies outside air into the Keep the hood and front air inlet free designed to operate easily and give years vehicle when it is moving. Outside air of ice, snow, or any other obstruction of listening pleasure. But you will get will also enter the car when the heater (such as leaves). The heater and the most enjoyment out of it if you or the air conditioning fan is running. defroster will work far better, acquaint yourself with it first. Find out reducing the chance of fogging the what your Delco@audio system can do inside of your windows. and how to operate all its controls, to be sure you're getting the most out of the When you enter a car in cold weather, advanced engineering that went into it. 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. 106 NU I IL-t

~~~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~ Before you add any sound CAUTION equipment to your vehicle - like a tape player, radio, mobile Hearing damage from loud CB telephone or two-way radio - be A noise is almost undetectable AMiFM Stereo until it is too late. Your hearing sure you can add what you want. If you can, it’s very important to 1. Press and hold RCL (TIME SET). can. adapt to higher volumes of At the same time press and hold do it properly. Added sound sound. Sound that seems normal TUNE 4 (HR) until the correct hour equipment may interfere with the can be loud and harmful to your appears. hearing. Take precautions by operation of your vehicle’s engine, Delco@radio or other systems, and 2. Press and hold RCL (TIME SET). adjusting the volume control on At the same time press and hold your radio to a safe sound level even damage them. And, your vehicle’s systems may interfere TUNE b (MIN) until the correct before your hearing adapts to it. with the operation of sound minute appears. To help avoid hearing loss or equipment that has been added damage: improperly. Adjust the volume control to the So, before adding sound lowest setting. equipment, check with your dealer Increase volume slowly until and be sure to check Federal rules you hear comfortably and covering mobile rA:o and clearly. telephone units

107 = Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

s I tutu 1 AMW 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)until the correct hour appears. A YFM Stereo 2. Press and hold RCL/PROG (TIME To Play the Radio Tune SET). At the same time press and Press TUNE, or TUNE4 to go to a hold TUNE b (MIN) until the Turn the ON/VOL knob to turn the system.on or off. higher or lower station. Press either correct minute appears. button and hold to continue tuning and Volume release when you find your station. The Turn the ON/VOL knob to adjust the display will indicate the frequency of volume. each station tuned. AM-FM Press AM-FM to get AM or FM. The lighted display shows your selection. r Seek Setting the Tone Adjusting the Speakers Press SEEK, or SEEK4 and the Treble: Turn the TREB knob to the Fade: Turn the FADE knob to move the radio will tune to the next higher or right to hear more treble. sound between the front and rear lower station and stay there. Bass: Turn the BASS control behind the speakers. Pushbuttons TREB knob to the right to hear more Balance: Turn the BAL control behind The six pushbuttons let you return to bass. the FADE knob to move the sound your favorite stations. To set the between the left and right speakers. pushbuttons for up to 12 stations (6 AM Recall and 6 FM), just: Press RCL to switch the display 1. Tune in the station. between time and frequency. Or, press it 2. Press and hold one of the if you want to see the time when the pushbuttons for at least two seconds. ignition is off. The sound will go away for a second and will return when the station is stored. Repeat these steps for each pushbutton. Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

Seek Press SEEK, or SEEK4 and the radio will tune to the next higher or lower station and stay there. Pushbuttons 9M/FM Stereo with Cassette The six pushbuttons let you return to Tape Player AM-FM your favorite stations. To set the To Play the Radio Press AM-FM to get AM, FM 1 or pushbuttons for up to 18 stations (6 AM, 6 FMl, and 6 FM2), just: hrn the ON/VOL knob to turn the FM2. The lighted display shows your ;ystem on or off. selection. 1. Tune in the station. Tune Volume 2. Press and hold one of the Press TUNE, or TUNE4 to go to a pushbuttons for at least two seconds. Turn the ON/VOL knob to adjust the higher or lower station. Press either The sound will go away for a second volume. button and hold to continue tuning and and will return when the station is release when you find your station. The stored. display will indicate the frequency of Repeat these steps for each pushbutton. each station tuned. Setting the Tone designed for “ROCK,” “NEWS,” Preset Scan Treble: Turn the TREB knob to the “POP,” “JAZZ” and “CLASSICAL.” Press the PRESET SCAN button to right to hear more treble. “ROCK” will appear when you first hear each of your FM preset stations for press TONE SELECT. Each time you a few seconds. When you want to stop Bass: Turn the BASS control behind the press TONE SELECT another setting TREB knob to the right to hear more at a chosen station, press PRESET will appear on the display. Press TONE SCAN again. bass. SELECT again after “CLASSICAL” Loud and control of the tone will be back to Recall To increase the bass tone at low the treble and bass knobs. Press RCL/PROG to switch the display volumes, press the LOUD button. Adjusting the Speakers between time and frequency. Or, press il if you want to see the time when the Tone Select Fade: Turn the FADE knob to move the ignition is off. Press TONE SELECT to choose preset sound between the front and rear To Play a Cassette Tape speakers. treble and bass equalization settings Your tape player is built to work best Balance: Turn the BAL control behind with tapes that are 30-45 minutes long the FADE knob to move the sound on each side. Tapes longer than that are between the right and left speakers. so thin they may not work well in this Dlaver. The longer side with the tape visible Rewind Program should face to the right. If you hear Press REW to rapidly reverse the tape. Press RCL/PROG to switch from one nothing or hear just a garbled sound, it Press REW, RCLlPROG or A side of the tape to the other. maynot be in squarely. Press A to (Stop/Eject) to return to playing speed. remove the tape and start over. Once the Your cassette tape player can play tape is playing, use the knobs for To Play the Next Selection continuously because the player has an volume and balance, just as you do for Press NEXT to go forward to the auto-reverse feature. the radio. The lighted arrows show beginning of the next selection. Dolby DD@ which side of the tape is playing. For NEXT to work properly, your tape Press 00 to removenoise from Your bias is set automatically. When a must have at least three or four seconds Dolby DD@ NR-encoded tapes. metal or chrome tape is inserted, of silence between each selection. Dolby@’ Noise Reduction is “MTL” is shown on the display. Previous manufactured under license from Dolby Fast Forward Press PREV to hear the last selection Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Press FF to rapidly advance to another over. Press PREV again or press Dolby and the double-D symbol are part of the tape. Press FF, RCL/PROG RCL/PROG or (Stop/Eject) to trademarks of Dolby Laboratories or A (Stop/Eject) to return to cancel this function. Licensing Corporation. playing speed. EJECT Setting Your Security Code You are now ready to enter your Press A to remove the tape or stop The instructions below tell you how to security code. Don’t wait more than 15 the tape and switch to radio. enter a security code into the system. If seconds between steps. Radio Monitor your vehicle loses battery power for any 5. Press 4SEEKb and/or 4TUNEb Press the RADIO MNTR button to hear reason, you must enter the security code and “OOOO” will appear on the the radio when you are fast forwarding again before the system will turn on. display. or reversing a cassette tape. You can use 1. Write down any four-digit number 6. Press SEEK4 and hold it until the the TUNE, SEEK and PRESET SCAN and keep it in a safe place. first digit of your code appears. buttons while in the radio monitor 2. Turn the ignition switch to the ACC Release the button. mode. or ON position. 7. Press SEEK, and hold it until the Theft-Deterrent Feature 3. Turn the audio system off. second digit of your code appears. Release the button. The theft-deterrent feature for the 4. Press the 1 and 4 buttons together. AM/FM stereo with cassette tape player Hold them down until “-L” shows 8. Press TUNE4 and hold it until the can be used or ignored. If ignored, the on the display. third digit of your code appears. system plays normally. If it is used, Release the button. your system won’t be usable if it’s ever l stolen.

113. 9 Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

9. Press TUNE, and hold it until the on the display. You are now ready to matches the one you wrote down.

fourth digit of your code appears. enter your security code. “---- ” should now appear in the Release the button. 2. Press the SEEK4 button and hold it display. 10. Press AM-FM after you have until the first digit of your code If the code is correct, the radio will checked that the code you entered appears. operate. If the code is wrong, ‘bErr” is the one you wrote down. Your 3. Press the SEEK, button and hold it will appear in the display. code is not stored and “SEC” will until the second digit of your code To Unlock the System after a Power appear on the display. appears. Loss How to Shut Off the Theft-Deterrent 4. Press the TUNE4 button and hold it If power is disrupted to the radio while Feature until the third digit of your code in the “SEC” mode, the unit will not If your radio is secured (“SEC” shows appears. work and “LOC” will show on the on the display) and you wish to disable 5. Press the TUNE, button and hold it display whenever the ignition is on. To it, enter your security code as follows until the fourth digit of your code unlock the unit: pausing no more than 15 seconds appears. 1. Press 4SEEKb and/or 4TUNEF between steps: 6. Press AM-FM after you have and “00o0” will appear on the 1. Press the 1 and 4 buttons together. checked that the code you entered display. Hold them down until “----” shows Understanding Radio Reception Care of Your Cassette Tape c 2. Press the SEEK4 button and hold it F” Stereo Player until the first digit of your code FM stereo will give you the best sound, A tape player that is not cleaned appears. but FM signals will reach only about regularly can cause reduced sound 3. Press the SEEK, button and hold it 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). And, tall quality, ruined cassettes, or a damaged until the second digit of your code buildings or hills can interfere with mechanism. Cassette tapes should be appears. FM signals, causing the sound to come stored in their cases away from and go. contaminants, direct sunlight, and 4. Press the TUNE4 button and hold it extreme heat. If they aren’t, they may until the third digit of your code AM not operate properly or cause failure of appears. The range for most AM stations is the tape player. 5. Press the TUNE, button and hold it greater than for FM, especially at night. Your tape player should be cleaned until the fourth digit of your code The longer range, however, can cause regularly each month or after every 15 appears. stations to interfere with each other. hours of use. If you notice a reduction 6. Press AM-F” after you have AM can pick up noise from things like in sound quality, try a known good checked that the code matches the storms and power lines. Try reducing cassette to see if the tape or the tape one you wrote down. Now “SEC” the treble to reduce this noise if you player is at fault. If this other cassette will appear in the display, ever get it. has no improvement in sound quality, clean the tape player. 115 9 Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

Antenna Clean your tape player with a Use the knob on the end of the antenna Always lower the antenna before wiping-action, non-abrasive cleaning to raise the antenna or to push it back entering a car wash. cassette and follow the directions down. Keep the antenna mast clean for If you have the canvas top, also lower provided with it. good performance. the antenna before removing or Cassettes are subject to wear and the installing the top. sound quality may degrade over time. Always make sure that the cassette tape is in good condition before you have your tape player serviced.

... 116 Part 4 Your Driving and the Road

Here YOU’II find information Roadsigns ...... 118 about driving on different kinds DefensiveDriving ...... 122 of roads and in varying weather DrunkenDriving ...... 123 conditions . We’ve also included Control of a Vehicle ...... 126 many other useful tips on driving Driving Guidelines ...... 140 . Off-Road Driving with Your Geo Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicle ...... 140 Drivingat Night ...... 157 Driving in the Rain ...... 160 Driving in Fog. Mist and Haze ...... 162 City Driving ...... 164 Freeway Driving ...... 165 Driving a Long Distance ...... 167 Hilland MountainRoads...... 169 ParkingonHills ...... 171 Winter Driving ...... 173 TowingaTrailer ...... 177 RecreationalTowing ...... 186 117 . = Your Driving and the Road

WAY LA I w7 LOW SHOULDER

Color of Road Signs ORANGE indicates road construction or RED means STOP. It may also indicate maintenance. You’ll want to slow down that some movement is not allowed. when you see an orange sign, as part of Examples are DO NOT ENTER and the road may be closed off or torn up. m Road Signs WRONG WAY. And there may be workers and The road signs you see everywhere are maintenance vehicles around, too. 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.

NARROW BRIDGE

YELLOW indicates a general warning. GREEN is used to guide the driver. Slow down and be careful when you see Green signs may indicate upcoming a yellow sign. It may signal a railroad freeway exits or show the direction you crossing ahead, a no-passing zone, or should turn to reach a particular place. some other potentially dangerous situation. Likewise, a yellow solid line painted on the road means “Don’t Cross.” ...118 A YIELD

HOSPITAL INF( P Shape of Signs A TRIANGLE,V pointed downward, BLUE signs with white letters show Road motorists' services. The shape of the sign will tell you indicates YIELD. It assigns the something, too. right-of-way to traffic on certain approaches to an intersection. An OCTAGONAL (eight-sided) sign means STOP. It is always red with white letters.

w' CANOEING SWIMMING END DIVIDED HIGHWAY

BROWN signs point out recreation A DIAMOND-shaped sign is a warning A TRIANGULAR sign also is used on areas or points of historic or cultural of something ahead - for example, a two-lane roads to indicate a NO interest. curve, steep hill, soft shoulder, or a PASSING ZONE. This sign will be on narrow bridge. the left side of the roadway.

119. Your Driving and

KEEP LEFT OR RIGHT TURN RIGHT THROUGHRIGHT ONLY NO RIGHT FOOD TURN RECTANGULAR (square or oblong) Symbols on Road Signs signs show speed limits, parking There are many international road signs regulations, give directions and such in use today. information as distances to cities. 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 NO U NO NO “go no matter what. ” You’ll still need TURN BICYCLES TURN PARKING to proceed with caution, yielding the right of way to pedestrians and The basic message of many of these sometimes to other vehicles. signs is in pictures or graphic symbols. A picture within a circle with a diagonal Some traffic lights also use red arrows line across it shows what not to do. 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 Pavement Markings Your Own Signals zven bridges, use reversible-lane traffic Pavement markings add to traffic signs Drivers signal to others, too. It’s not :ontrol during rush hours. A red X light and signals. They give information to only more polite, it’s safer to let other above a lane means no driving in that drivers without taking attention from the drivers know what you are doing. And lane at that time. A green arrow means roadway. A solid yellow line on your in some places the law requires driver you may drive in that lane. Look for the side of the road or lane means “don’t signals. signs posted to warn drivers what hours xoss. ” Turn and lane change signals. Always and days these systems are in effect. 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

Defensive Driving Slowing down. If time allows, tap the The best advice anyone can give about Expect children to dash out from behind brake pedal once or twice in advance of driving is: Drive defensively. parked cars, often followed by other slowing or stopping. This warns the Please start with a very important safety children. Expect occupants in parked driver behind you. device in your Geo: Buckle up. (See cars to open doors into traffic. Watch Disabled. Your four-way flashers signal “Safety Belts” in the Index.) for movement in parked cars - someone may be about to open a door. that your vehicle is disabled or is a Defensive driving really means “be hazard. See “Hazard Warning ready for anything.” On city streets, Expect other drivers to run stop signs Flashers” in the Index. rural roads, or freeways, it means when you are on a through street. Be ready to brake if necessary as you go Trafilc Officer “always expect the unexpected.” through intersections. You may not have The traffic police officer is also a source Assume that pedestrians or other drivers to use the brake, but if you do, you will of important information. The officer’s are going to be careless and make be ready. signals govern, no matter what the mistakes. Anticipate what they might do. traffic lights or other signs say. Be ready for their mistakes. [f you’re driving through a shopping center parking lot where there are The next section discusses some of the well-marked lanes, directional arrows, road conditions you may encounter. and designated parking areas, expect

.122 Drunken Driving some drivers to ignore all these Here’s a final bit of information about Death and injury associated with markings and dash straight toward one defensive driving. The most dangerous drinking and driving is a national part of the lot. time for driving in the U.S. is very tragedy. It’s the number one contributor Pedestrians can be careless. Watch for early on Sunday morning. In fact, GM to the highway death toll, claiming them. In general, you must give way to Research studies show that the most and thousands of victims every year. pedestrians even if you know you have the least dangerous times for driving, Alcohol takes away three things that the right of way. every week, fall on the same day. That anyone needs to drive a vehicle: day is Sunday. The most dangerous time Judgment Rear-end collisions are about the most is Sunday from 3 a.m. to 4 a.m. The preventable of accidents. Yet they are safest time is Sunday from 10 a.m. to Muscular Coordination common. Allow enough following 11 a.m. Driving the same distance on a Vision distance. It’s the best defensive driving Sunday at 3 a.m. isn’t just a little more Police records show that half of all maneuver, in both city and rural dangerous than it is at 10 a.m. It’s about motor vehicle-related deaths involve driving. You never know when the 134 times more dangerous! alcohol - a driver, a passenger or vehicle in front of you is going to brake someone else, such as a pedestrian, had or turn suddenly. That leads to the next section. been drinking. In most cases, these Your Driving and the Road

deaths are the result of someone who The Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of According to the American Medical was drinking and driving. Over 25,000 someone who is drinking depends upon Association, a 180-pound (82 kg) person motor vehicle-related deaths occur each four things: who drinks three 12-ounce (355 ml) year because of alcohol, and thousands How much alcohol is in the drink. bottles of beer in an hour will end up of people are injured. with a BAC of about 0.06 percent. The The drinker’s body weight. Just how much alcohol is too much if a person would reach the same BAC by person plans to drive? Ideally, no one The amount of food that is consumed drinking three 4-ounce (120 ml) glasses should drink alcohol and then drive. But before and during drinking. of wine or three mixed drinks if each if one does, then what’s “too much”? It The length of time it has taken the had 1- 1/2 ounces (45 ml) of a liquor like can be a lot less than many might think. drinker to consume the alcohol. whiskey, gin or vodka. Although it depends on each person and It’s the amount of alcohol that counts. situation, here is some general For example, if the same person drank information on the problem. 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 -1 I I= I 1 2 HOURS

i noUR

IVJ4 120 140 160 180 Mo 220 240 approaching 0.05 percent, and that the alcohol in one drink. No amount of aoov WEIGHT IN POUNDS effects are worse at night. All drivers coffee or number of cold showers will are impaired at BAC levels above 0.05 speed that up. The law in most U.S. states sets the percent. Statistics show that the chance “I’ll be careful” isn’t the right answer. legal limit at a BAC of 0.10 percent. In of being in an accident increases sharply What if there’s an emergency, a need to Canada the limit is 0.08 percent, and in for drivers who have a BAC of 0.05 take sudden action, as when a child some other countries it’s lower than percent or above. A driver with a BAC darts into the street? A person with a that. The RAC will be over 0.10 percent level of 0.06 percent (three beers in one higher BAC might not be able to react after three to six drinks (in one hour). hour for a 180-pound or 82 kg person) quickly enough to avoid the collision. Of course, as we’ve seen, it depends on has doubled his or her chance of having how much alcohol is in the drinks, and an accident. At a BAC level of 0.10 how quickly the person drinks them. percent, the chance of that driver having But it’s very important to keep in mind an accident is six times greater; at a that the ability to drive is affected well level of 0.15 percent, the chances are below a BAC of 0.10 percent. Research twenty-five times greater! And, the body shows that the driving skills of many takes about an hour to rid itself of the people are impaired at a BAC Your Driving and the Road

IConboi of a Vehicle There's something else about drinking You have three systems that make your and driving that many people don't Drinking and then driving is vehicle go where you want it to go. know. Medical research shows that A very dangerous. Your They are the brakes, the steering and the alcohol in a person's system can make reflexes, perceptions, and I accelerator. All three systems have to do crash injuries worse. That's especially judgment will be affected by even their work at the places where the tires true for brain, spinal cord and heart a small amount of alcohol. You meet the road. injuries. That means that if anyone who could have a serious - or even Sometimes, as when you're driving on has been drinking - driver or passenger fatal - accident if you drive after snow or ice, it's easy to ask more of - is in a crash, the chance of being drinking. Please don't drink and those control systems than the tires and killed or permanently disabled is higher drive or ride with a driver who has road can provide. That means you can than if that person had not been been drinking. Ride home in a lose control of your vehicle. drinking. And we've already seen that cab; or if you're with a group, the chance of a crash itself is higher for designate a driver who will not drinking drivers. drink.

- 9 126 Braking Braking action involves perception time a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) Avoid needless heavy braking. Some and reaction time. travels 66 feet (20 m). That could.be a people drive in spurts - heavy First, you have to decide to push on the lot of distance in an emergency, so acceleration followed by heavy brake pedal. That’s perception time. keeping enough space between your braking - rather than keeping pace Then you have to bring up your foot and vehicle and others is important. with traffic. This is a mistake. Your do it. That’s reaction time. And, of course, actual stopping brakes may not have time to cool between hard stops. Your brakes will Average reaction time is about 3/4 of a distances vary greatly with the surface of the road (whether it’s pavement or wear out much faster if you do a lot second. But that’s only an average. It of heavy braking. might be less with one driver and as gravel); the condition of the road (wet, long as two or three seconds or more dry, icy); tire tread; and the condition of Don’t “ride” the brakes by letting with another. Age, physical condition, your brakes. your left foot rest lightly on the brake alertness, coordination, and eyesight all Most drivers treat their brakes with pedal while driving. play a part. So do alcohol, drugs and care. Some, however, overwork the frustration. But even in 3/4 of a second, braking system with poor driving habits. Your Driving

GAU I IUN NU 1 /Ut If you keep pace with the traffic and “Riding” your brakes can “Riding” the brakes wears them allow realistic following distances, you A cause them to overheat to the I )ut much faster. You would n will eliminate a lot of unnecessary point that they won’t work well. :ostly brake replacement mucl braking. That means better braking and You might not be able to stop your iooner than normal, and it longer brake life. vehicle in time to avoid an -educes fuel econo---- If your engine ever stops while you’re accident. If you “ride” your driving, brake normally but don’t brakes, they will get so hot they pump your brakes. If you do, the will require a lot of pedal force to pedal may get harder to push down. If slow you down. Avoid “riding” your engine stops, you will still have the brakes. 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

I Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) You slamon the brakes. Here’s what Your vehicle has an advanced electronic happens with ABS. Anti-lock doesn’t change the braking system that can help you keep it A computer senses that a rear wheel is A time you need to get your foot under control. When you stag your - slowing down. The computer works the up to the brake pedal. If you get vehicle and begin to drive away, you brakes at the rear wheels. It is too close to the vehicle in front of may hear a momentary motor or programmed to make the most of you, you won’t have time to apply clicking noise. The ABS motor comes available tire and road conditions. your brakes if that vehicle on momentarily when the vehicle As you brake, your computer keeps suddenly slows or stops. Always reaches 8 mph (12 km/h). This is the receiving updates on rear wheel speed leave enough room up ahead to ABS system testing itself. and controls braking pressure stop, even though you have Here’s how anti-lock works. Let’s say accordingly. anti-lock brakes. the road is wet. You’re driving safely. Suddenly an animal jumps out in front of you.

129. Your Driving and the Road

To Use Anti-Lock: Disc Brake Wear Indicators Use rear wheel anti-lock like regular Your Geo has front disc and rear drum II The brake wear warning brakes. You may feel the brakes vibrate, brakes. t l sound means that sooner or 1; : your brakes won't work well. or you may notice some noise outside Disc brake pads have built-in wear I'hat could lead to an accident. your vehicle, but this is normal. Let indicators that make a high-pitched When you hear the brake wear anti-lock work for you, but remember: warning sound when the brake Pads are I I warning sound, have your vehicle Your front wheels can still stop rolling. worn and new pads are needed. The cerviced. If that happens, release enough pressure sound may come and go or be heard all on the brakes to get the wheels rolling the time your vehicle is moving (except again so that you can steer. when you are pushing on the brake I With the four-wheel-drive option, you pedal firmly). IVVI IUL won't have anti-lock braking when you shift into four-wheel drive. But you will Continuing to drive with worn-out have regular braking. When you shift brake pads cc in cost' back into two-wheel drive, you will brake rep; have anti-lock again. 'I - 130 Some driving conditions or climates may Brake linings should always be replaced few moderate brake stops about every cause a brake squeal when the brakes as complete axle sets. 1,000 miles (1 600 km), so your brakes are first applied or lightly applied. This Brake Pedal Travel will adjust properly. does not mean something is wrong with your brakes. See your dealer if the brake pedal does If your brake pedal goes down farther not return to normal height, or if there than normal, your rear drum brakes may ~ Rear Drum Brakes is a rapid increase in pedal travel. This need adjustment. Adjust them by Your rear drum brakes don’t have wear could be a sign of brake trouble. backing up and firmly applying the indicators, but if you ever hear a rear Brake Adjustment brakes a few times. brake rubbing noise, have the rear brake linings inspected. Also, the rear brake Every time you make a moderate brake drums should be removed and inspected stop, your disc brakes adjust for wear. each time the tires are removed for If you rarely make a moderate or rotation or changing. When you have heavier stop, then your brakes might not the front brakes replaced, have the rear adjust correctly. If you drive in that brakes inspected, too. way, then - very carefully - make a

131 Your Driving and the Road

Steering Braking in Emergencies So, use a “squeeze” braking technique. Power Steering At some time, nearly every driver gets This will give you maximum braking If you lose power steering assist because into a situation that requires hard while maintaining steering control. You the engine stops or the system fails to braking. You have the rear wheel do this by pushing on the brake pedal function, you can steer but it will take anti-lock braking system. Your front with steadily increasing pressure. When much more effort. wheels can stop rolling when you brake you do, you can maintain steering very hard. Once they do, the vehicle control. In many emergencies, steering Steering Tips can’t respond to your steering. can help you more than even the very Driving on Curves best braking. Momentum will carry it in whatever It’s important to take curves at a direction it was headed when the wheels reasonable speed. stopped rolling. That could be off the road, into the very thing you were A lot of the ‘‘driver lost control” trying to avoid, or into traffic. 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

II.132 the tires against the road surface makes where the tires meet the road. Adding course, the posted speeds are based on it possible for the vehicle to change its the hard braking can demand too much good weather and road conditions. path when you turn the front wheels. If at those places. You can lose control. Under less favorable conditions you’ll there’s no traction, inertia will keep the The same thing can happen if you’re want to go slower. vehicle going in the same direction. If steering through a sharp curve and you If you need to reduce your speed as you you’ve ever tried to steer a vehicle on suddenly accelerate. Those two control approach a curve, do it before you enter wet ice, you’ll understand this. systems - steering and acceleration - the curve, while your front wheels are The traction you can get in a curve can overwhelm those places where the straight ahead. depends on the condition of your tires tires meet the road and make you lose Try to adjust your speed so you can and the road surface, the angle at which control. “drive” through the curve. Maintain a the curve is banked, and your speed. What should you do if this ever reasonable, steady speed. Wait to While you’re in a curve, speed is the happens? Let up on the brake or accelerate until you are out of the curve, one factor you can control. accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the and then accelerate gently into the Suppose you’re steering through a sharp way you want it to go, and slow down. straightaway. curve. Then you suddenly apply the Speed limit signs near curves warn that brakes. Both control systems - steering you should adjust your speed. Of i and braking - have to do their work Your Driving and the Road

When you drive into a curve at night, Steering in Emergencies brakes, but not enough to lock your it’s harder to see the road ahead of you There are times when steering can be front wheels. It is better to remove as because it bends away from the straight more effective than braking. For much speed as you can from a possible beams of your lights. This is one good example, you come over a hill and find collision. Then steer around the reason to drive slower. a truck stopped in your lane, or a car problem, to the left or right depending suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a on the space available. child darts out from between parked cars An emergency like this requires close and stops right in front of you. You can attention and a quick decision. If you avoid these problems by braking - if are holding the steering wheel at the you can stop in time. But sometimes you recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, can’t; there isn’t room. That’s the time you can turn it a full 180 degrees very for evasive action - steering around the quickly without removing either hand. problem. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, Your Geo can perform very well in and just as quickly straighten the wheel emergencies like these. First apply your 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 Off-Road Recovery If the shoulder appears to be about four rather violent for an unprepared driver. You may find sometime that your right inches (100 mm) or more below the This is one of the reasons driving wheels have dropped off the edge of a pavement, this difference can cause experts recommend that you use your road onto the shoulder (A) while you’re problems. If there is not enough room to I safety belts and keep both hands on the driving. pull entirely onto the shoulder and stop, steering wheel. then follow the same procedures. But if If the level of the shoulder is only The fact that such emergency situations the right front tire scrubs against the slightly below the pavement, recovery side of the pavement, do NOT steer are always possible is a good reason to should be fairly easy. Ease off the practice defensive driving at all times. more sharply. With too much steering accelerator and then, if there is nothing angle, the vehicle may jump back onto in the way, steer so that your vehicle the road with so much steering input straddles the edge of the pavement. You that it crosses over into the oncoming can turn the steering wheel up to 1/4 traffic before you can bring it back turn (B) until the right front tire contacts under control. Instead, ease off again on the pavement edge. Then turn your the accelerator and steering input, steering wheel to go straight down the straddle the pavement once more, then roadway. try again. 136- Your Driving and the Road

Passing The driver of a vehicle about to pass Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle So here are some tips for passing: another on a two-lane highway waits for on a two-lane highway is a potentially “Drive ahead.” Look down the road, just the right moment, accelerates, dangerous move, since the passing to the sides, and to crossroads for moves around the vehicle ahead, then vehicle occupies the same lane as situations that might affect your goes back into the right lane again. A oncoming traffic for several seconds. A passing patterns. If you have any simple maneuver? miscalculation, an error in judgment, or doubt whatsoever about making a a brief surrender to frustration or anger successful pass, wait for a better time. can suddenly put the passing driver face to face with the worst of all traffic Watch for traffic signs, pavement accidents - the head-on collision. 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 Also, you won’t have adequate space If other cars are lined up to pass a of the lane or a double solid line, if the vehicle ahead suddenly slows or slow vehicle, wait your turn. But take even if the road seems empty of stops. Keep back a reasonable care that someone isn’t trying to pass approaching traffic. distance. you as you pull out to pass the slow If you suspect that the driver of the When it looks like a chance to pass is vehicle. Remember to glance over vehicle you want to pass isn’t aware coming up, start to accelerate but stay your shoulder and check the blind of your presence, tap the horn a in the right lane and don’t get too spot. couple of times before passing. Or, if close. Time your move so you will be Check your mirrors, glance over your your Geo has the Passing Signal increasing speed as the time comes to shoulder, and start your left lane option, you can use that. See move into the other lane. If the way is change signal before moving out of “Passing Signal” in the Index. clear to pass, you will have a the right lane to pass. When you are Do not get too close to the vehicle “running start” that more than makes far enough ahead of the passed you want to pass while you’re up for the distance you would lose by vehicle to see its front in your inside awaiting an opportunity. For one dropping back. And if something mirror, activate your right lane thing, following too closely reduces happens to cause you to cancel your change signal and move back into the your area of vision, especially if pass, you need only slow down and right lane. (Remember that your right you’re following a larger vehicle. drop back again and wait for another outside mirror is convex. The vehicle opportunity. Your Driving and the Road

Loss of Control you just passed may seem to be Let’s review what driving experts say The three types of skids correspond to further away from you than it really about what happens when the three your Geo’s three control systems. In the is.) control systems (brakes, steering and braking skid your wheels aren’t rolling. Try not to pass more than one vehicle acceleration) don’t have enough friction In the steering or cornering skid, too at a time on two-lane roads. where the tires meet the road to do what much speed or steering in a curve causes Reconsider before passing the next the driver has asked. tires to slip and lose cornering force. vehicle. In any emergency, don’t give up. Keep And in the acceleration skid too much trying to steer and constantly seek an throttle causes the driving wheels to Don’t overtake a slowly moving spin. vehicle too rapidly. Even though the escape route or area of less danger. brake lights are not flashing, it may Skidding A cornering skid and an acceleration be slowing down or starting to turn. skid are best handled by easing your In a skid, a driver can lose control of foot off the accelerator pedal. If your If you’re being passed, make it easy the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid vehicle starts to slide (as when you turn for the following driver to get ahead most skids by taking reasonable care a corner on a wet, snow- or ice-covered of you. Perhaps you can ease a little suited to existing conditions, and by not road), ease your foot off the accelerator to the right. “overdriving” those conditions. But skids are always possible. pedal as soon as you feel the vehicle While driving on a surface with reduced Remember: the rear wheel anti-lock start to slide. Quickly steer the way you traction, try your best to avoid sudden braking system (RWAL) helps avoid want the vehicle to go. If you start steering, acceleration, or braking only a rear braking skid. In a braking steering quickly enough, your vehicle (including engine braking by shifting to skid (where the front wheels are no will straighten out. As it does, straighten a lower gear). Any sudden changes longer rolling), release enough pressure the front wheels. could cause the tires to slide. You may on the brakes to get the front wheels Of course, traction is reduced when not realize the surface is slippery until rolling again. This restores steering water, snow, ice, gravel, or other your vehicle is skidding. Learn to control. Push the brake pedal down material is on the road. For safety, recognize warning clues - such as steadily when you have to stop you’ll want to slow down and adjust enough water, ice or packed snow on suddenly. As long as the front wheels your driving to these conditions. It is the. road to make a “mirrored surface’’ are rolling, you will have steering important to slow down on slippery - and slow down when you have any control. Steer the way you want to go. surfaces because stopping distance will doubt. be longer and vehicle control more limited. Your Driving and the Road

Driving Guidelines 1 Off-Road Driving with This multipurpose passenger vehicle is They are not designed for cornering at Your Geo Four-Wheel- defined as a utility vehicle in Consumer the same speeds as conventional Drive Vehicle Information Regulations issued by the two-wheel drive vehicles any more than National Highway Traffic Safety low-slung sports cars are designed to This off-road guide is for vehicles that Administration (NHTSA) of the United perform satisfactorily under off-road have four-wheel drive. States Department of Transportation. conditions. If at all possible, avoid sharp Also, see “Anti-Lock Brakes” in the Utility vehicles have higher ground turns or abrupt maneuvers. As with Index. clearance and a narrower track to make other vehicles of this type, failure to If your vehicle doesn’t have four-wheel them capable of performing in a wide operate this vehicle correctly may result drive, you shouldn’t drive off-road variety of off-road applications. Specific in loss of control or vehicle rollover. unless you’re on a level, solid surface. design characteristics give them a higher Off-road driving can be great fun. But it center of gravity than ordinary cars. An does have some definite hazards. The advantage of the higher ground greatest of these is the terrain itself. clearance is a better view of the road allowing you to anticipate problems. “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, spare tire fully inflated? Are the fluid The heaviest things should be on the uphill or downhill. In short, you’ve levels up where they should be? What load floor and forward of your rear gone right back to nature. are the local laws that apply to axle. Put heavier items as far forward Off-road driving involves some new off-roading where you’ll be driving? If as you can. skills. And that’s why it’s very you don’t know, you should check with Be sure the load is secured properly, important that you read this guide. law enforcement people in the area. Wil so driving on the off-road terrain You’ll find many driving tips and you be on someone’s private land? If so doesn’t toss things around. suggestions. These will help make your be sure to get the necessary permission. off-road driving safer and more Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road enjoyable. Driving Before You Go Off-Roading There are some important things to There are some things to do before you remember about how to load your go out. For example, be sure to have all vehicle. 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 Your Driving and the Road

A Cargo on the load floor L piledhigher than the seatbacks can be thrown forwarc during a sudden stop. You or your passengers could be injured. Keep cargo below the You’ll find other important information Does your vehicle have a winch? If so, top of the seatbacks. in this manual. See “Vehicle Loading,” be sure to read the winch instructions. Unsecured cargo on the load and “Tires” in the Index. In a remote area, a winch can be handy floor can be tossed about when Traveling to Remote Areas if you get stuck. But you’ll want to driving over rough terrain. You know how to use it properly. or your passengers can be strucl It makes sense to plan your trip, by flying objects. Secure the especially when going to a remote area. cargo properly. Know the terrain and plan your route. You are much less likely to get bad Heavy loads on the roof raise surprises. Get accurate maps of trails the vehicle’s center of gravity, and terrain. to learn of any blocked making it more likely to roll Try over. You can be seriously or or closed roads. fatally injured if the vehicle rolls It’s also a good idea to travel with at over. Put heavy loads inside the least one other vehicle. If something cargo area, not on the roof. happens to one of them, the other can Keep cargo in the cargo area as help quickly. far forward and low as possible. I ... 142 I. CAUTION Getting Familiar with Off-Road Controlling your vehicle is the key to r Driving successfuloff-road driving. One of theWhen you’re driving off road, It’s a good idea to practice in an area best ways to control your vehicle is to c L bouncingand quick changes that’s safe and close to home before you control your speed. Here are some in direction can easily throw you go into the wilderness. Off-road driving things to keep in mind. At higher out of position. This could cause does require some new and different speeds: you to lose control and crash. So, driving skills. Here’s what we mean. You approach things faster and you whether you’re driving on or off Tune your senses to different kinds of have less time to scan the terrain for the road, you and your passengers signals. Your eyes, for example, need to obstacles. should wear safety belts. constantly sweep the terrain for You have less time to react. unexpected obstacles. Your ears need to You have more vehicle bounce when listen for unusual tire or engine sounds. you drive over obstacles. With your arms, hands, feet, and body you’ll need to respond to vibrations and You’ll need more distance for vehicle bounce. braking, especially since you’re on an unpaved surface.

143- - Your Driving and the Road

Scanning the Terrain Surface Obstacles. Unseen or hidden When you drive over obstacles or rough Off-road driving can take you over obstacles can be hazardous. A rock, log, terrain, keep a firm grip on the steering many different kinds of terrain. You hole, rut, or bump can startle you if wheel. Ruts, troughs, or other surface need to be familiar with the terrain and you’re not prepared for them. Often features can jerk the wheel out of your its many different features. Here are these obstacles are hidden by grass, hands if you’re not prepared. some things to consider. bushes, snow or even the rise and fall of When you drive over bumps, rocks, or the terrain itself. Here are some things other obstacles, your wheels can leave Surface Conditions. Off-roading can to consider: take you over hard-packed dirt; gravel, the ground. If this happens, even with rocks, grass, sand, mud, snow or ice. Is the path ahead clear? one or two wheels, you can’t control the Each of these surfaces affects the Will the surface texture change vehicle as well or at all. steering, acceleration, and braking of abruptly up ahead? your vehicle in different ways. Does the travel take you uphill or Depending upon the kind of surface you downhill? (There’s more discussion of are on, you may experience slipping, these subjects later.) sliding, wheel spinning, delayed acceleration, poor traction. and longer Will you have to stop suddenly or braking distanc change direction quickly? ...144 I

Because you will be on an unpaved I CAUTION Driving on Off-Road Hills surface, it’s especially important to ’ Drinking and driving can be Off-road driving often takes you up, avoid sudden acceleration, sudden turns, -very dangerous on any road. down, or across a hill. Driving safely on or sudden braking. And this is certainly true for hills requires good judgment and an In a way, off-road driving requires a off-road driving. At the very time understanding of what your vehicle can different kind of alertness from driving you need special alertness and and can’t do. There are some hills that on paved roads and highways. There are driving skills, your reflexes, simply can’t be driven, no matter how no road signs, posted speed limits or perceptions and judgment can be well built the vehicle. signal lights. You have to use your own affected by even a small amount of good judgment about what is safe and alcohol. You could have a serious what isn’t. - or even fatal - accident if you drink and drive or ride with a driver who has been drinking. (See “Drunken Driving” in the Index.) Your Driving and the load

1 CAUTION Approaching a Hill Is there a constant incline, or does the 1 Manyhills are simplytoo I When you approach a hill, you need to hill get sharply steeper in places? -steep for any vehicle. If you decide if it’s one of those hills that’s just Is there good traction on the hillside, drive up them, you will stall. If too steep to climb, descend, or cross. or will the surface cause tire slipping? you drive down them, you can’t Steepness can be hard to judge. On a Is there a straight path up or down the control your speed. If you drive very small hill, for example, there may hill so you won’t have to make across them, you will roll over. be a smooth, constant incline with only turning maneuvers? You could be seriously injured or a small change in elevation where you killed. If you have any doubt about can easily see all the way to the top. On Are there obstructions on the hill that the steepness, don’t drive the hill. a large hill, the incline may get steeper can block your path (boulders, trees, as you near the top, but you may not see logs or ruts)? this because the crest of the hill is What’s beyond the hill? Is there a hidden by bushes, grass, or shrubs. cliff, an embankment, a drop-off, a Here are some other things to consider fence? Get out and walk the hill if as you approch a hill. you don’t know. It’s the smart way to find out. Is the hill simply too rough? Steep Get a smooth start up the hill and try CAUTION hills often have ruts, gullies, troughs to maintain your speed. Don’t use Turning or driving across and exposed rocks because they are more power than you need, because A steep hills can be dangerous. more susceptible to the effects of you don’t want your wheels to start You could lose traction, slide erosion. spinning or sliding. sideways, and possibly roll over. Driving Uphill Try to drive straight up the hill if at You could be seriously injured or killed. When driving up hills, Once you decide you can safely drive up all possible. If the path twists and always try to go straight up. the hill, you need to take some special turns, you might want to find another steps. route. Use a low gear and get a firm grip on the steering wheel. Your Driving and the Road

Ease up on your speed as you CAUTION Q: What should I do if my vehicle approach the top of the hill. A Driving to the top (crest) of a stalls, or is about to stall, and I Attach a flag to the vehicle to make hill at full speed can cause an can’t make it up the hill? you more visible to approaching accident. There could be a A: If this happens, there are some traffic on trails or hills. drop-off, embankment, cliff, or things you-should do, and there are Sound the horn as you approach the even another vehicle. You could some things you must not do. First, top of the hill to let opposing traffic be seriously injured or killed. As here’s what you should do: you near the top of a hill, slow know you’re there. Push the brake pedal to stop the down and stay alert. vehicle and keep it from rolling Use your headlights even during the I day. They make you more visible to backwards. Also, apply the parking oncoming traffic. 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, Here are some things you must not do Never attempt to turn around if you you’ll need to restart it. With the if you stall, or are about to stall, when are about to stall when going up a brake pedal depressed and the going up a hill. hill. If the hill is steep enough to parking brake still applied, shift the Never attempt to prevent a stall by stall your vehicle, it’s steep enough transmission to P (Park) (or, shift to shifting into N (Neutral) (or to cause you to roll over if you turn Neutral if your vehicle has a depressing the clutch, if you have a around. If you can’t make it up the manual transmission) and restart the manual transmission) to “rev-up” the hill, you must back down the hill. engine. Then, shift to reverse, engine and regain forward Q: Suppose, after stalling, I try to release the parking brake, and momentum. This won’t work. Your back down the hill and decide I slowly back down the hill in vehicle will roll backwards very just can’t do it. What should I do? reverse. quickly and you could go out of A: Set the parking brake, put your As you are backing down the hill, control. transmission in P (Park) (or the put your left hand on the steering Instead, apply the regular brake to stop wheel at the 12 o’clock position. the vehicle. Then apply the parking This way, you’ll be able to tell if brake. Shift into reverse, release the your wheels are straight or turned to parking brake, and slowly back down. the left or right as you back down. Your Driving and the Road

manual transmission in first gear), Shifting thetransfer case to Driving Downhill and turn off the engine. Leave the A N (Neutral) can cause your When off-roading takes you downhill, vehicle and go get some help. Exit vehicle to roll even if the you’ll want to consider a number of on the uphill side and stay clear of transmission is in P (Park) (or, if things: the path the vehicle would take if it you have the manual transmission, How steep is the downhill? Will I b rolled downhill. Do not shift the even if you’re in gear). This is able to maintain vehicle control? transfer case to N (Neutral) when because the N (Neutral) position you leave the vehicle. Leave it in on the transfer case overrides the What’s the surface like? Smooth? some gear. transmission. If you are going to Rough? Slippery? Hard-packed dirt? leave your vehicle, set the parking Gravel? brake and shift the transmission to Are there hidden surface obstacles? P (Park) (or, put your manual Ruts? Logs? Boulders? transmissionin first gear). But do I What’s at the bottom of the hill? Is not shift the transfer case to the N there a hidden creek bank or even a (Neutral) position. Leave the river bottom with large rocks? transfer case in the 2H, 4H, or 4L I position. If you decide you can go down a hill Q: Are there some things I should not safely, then try to keep your vehicle Heavy braking when going do when driving down a hill? headed straight down, and use a low A down a hill can cause your A: Yes! These are important because if gear. This way, engine drag can help brakes to overheat and fade. This you ignore them you could lose your brakes and they won’t have to do could cause loss of control and a control and have a serious accident. all the work. Descend slowly, keeping serious accident. Apply the brakes 0 When driving downhill, avoid turns your vehicle under control at all times. lightly when descending a hill and that take you across the incline of use a low gear to keep vehicle the hill. A hill that’s not too steep to speed under control. drive down may be too steep to drive across. You could roll over if you don’t drive straight down. 0 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

“free-wheeling. ” Your brakes will Q: Am I likely to stall when going If the engine won’t start, get out and have to do all the work and could downhill? get help. overheat and fade. A: It’s much more likely to happen Driving Across an Incline e Avoid braking so hard that you lock going uphill. But if it happens going Sooner or later, an off-road trail will the wheels when going downhill. If downhill, here’s what to do. probably go across the incline of a hill. your front wheels are locked, you 0 Stop your vehicle by applying the If this happens, you have to decide can’t steer your vehicle. If your regular brakes. Apply the parking whether to try to drive across the wheels lock up during downhill brake. incline. Here are some things to braking, you may feel the vehicle e consider: starting to slide sideways. To regain Shift to P (Park) (or to Neutral with your direction, just ease off the the manual transmission) and, while A hill that can be driven straight up brakes and steer to keep the front of still braking, restart the engine. or down may be too steep to drive the vehicle pointing straight Shift back to a low gear, release the across. When you go straight up or downhill. parking brake, and drive straight down a hill, the length of the wheel down. 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 0 Surface conditions can be a problem Hidden obstacles canmake the drive across an incline, the much when you drive across a hill. Loose steepness of the incline even worse. more narrow track width (the gravel, muddy spots, or even wet If you drive across a rock with the distance between the left and right grass can cause your tires to slip uphill wheels, or if the downhill wheels) may not prevent the vehicle sideways, downhill. If the vehicle wheels drop into a rut or depression, from tilting and rolling over. Also, slips sideways, it can hit something your vehicle can tilt even more. driving across an incline puts more that will trip it (a rock, a rut, etc.) For reasons like these, you need to weight on the downhill wheels. This and roll over. decide carefully whether to try to drive could cause a downhill slide or a across an incline. Just because the trail rollover. 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

Q: What if I’m driving across an Stalling on an Incline I A Driving across an incline incline that’s not too steep, but I If your vehicle stalls when you’re - I that’s too steep will make hit some loose gravel and start to crossing an incline, be sure you (and your vehicle roll over. You could slide downhill. What should I do? your passengers) get out on the uphill be seriously injured or killed. If A: If you feel your vehicle starting to side, even if the door there is harder to you have any doubt about the 1 slide sideways, turn downhill. This open. If you get out on the downhill side steepness of the incline, don’t should help straighten out the and the vehicle starts to roll over, you’ll drive across it. Find another route vehicle and prevent the side be right in its path. instead. I slipping. However, a much better If you have to walk down the slope, stay way to prevent this is to get out and out of the path the vehicle will take if it “walk the course” so you know does roll over. what the surface is like before you drive it. ..

CAUTlON Driving in Mud, Sand, Snow, or Ice tend to sink into the sand. This has an Getting out on the downhill When you drive in mud, snow, or sand, effect on steering, accelerating, and I (low) side of a vehicle your wheels won’t get good traction. braking. You may want to reduce the air t pressure in your tires slightly when stopped across 811 incline is You can’t accelerate as quickly, turning dangerous. If the vehicle rolls is more difficult, and you’ll need longer driving on sand. This will improve over, you could be crushed or braking distances. traction, killed. Always get out on the It’s best to use a low gear when you’re Hard packed snow and ice offer the uphill (high) side of the vehicle in mud - the deeper the mud, the lower worst tire traction. On these surfaces, and stay well clear of the rollover the gear. In really deep mud, the idea is it’s very easy to lose control. On wet path. to keep your vehicle moving so you ice, for example, the traction is so poor I don’t get stuck. that you will have difficulty accelerating. And if you do get moving, When you drive on sand, you’ll sense a poor steering and difficult braking can change in wheel traction. But it will cause you to slide out of control. depend upon how loosely packed the sand is. On loosely packed sand (as on beaches or sand dunes) your tires will Your Driving and the Road

I CAUTION Find out how deep the water is before I CAUTION Driving on frozen lakes, you drive through it. If it’s deep enough ’ Driving through rushing water A ponds or rivers can be to cover your wheel hubs, axles, or - can be dangerous. Deep water dangerous. Underwater springs, exhaust pipe, don’t try it - you -m sweep your vehicle currents under the ice, or sudden probably won’t get through. Also, water downstream and you and your thaws can weaken the ice. Your that deep can damage your axle and passengers could drown. If it’s vehicle could fall through the ice other vehicle parts. only inches deep, it can still wash and you and your passengers could If the water isn’t too deep, then drive away the ground from under your drown. Drive your vehicle on safe through it slowly. At fast speeds, water tires, and you could lose traction surfaces only. splashes on your ignition system and and roll the vehicle over. Don’t your vehicle can stall. Stalling can also drive through rushing water. )riving in Water occur if you get your tailpipe under water. And, as long as your tailpipe is ight rain causes no special off-road under water, you’ll never be able to riving problems. But heavy rain can lean flash flooding, and flood waters start your engine. When you go through emand extreme caution. water, remember that when your brakes get wet, it may take you longer to stop. ...156 rn Driving at Night After Off-Road Driving Night driving is more dangerous than Since you can’t see as well, you may Remove any brush or debris that has day driving. One reason is that some need to slow down and keep more collected on the underbody, chassis or drivers are likely to be impaired - by space between you and other vehicles. under the hood. These accumulations alcohol or drugs, with night vision It’s hard to tell how fast the vehicle can be a fire hazard. problems, or by fatigue. ahead is going just by looking at its taillights. After operation in mud or sand, have the Here are some tips on night driving. brake linings cleaned and checked. Drive defensively. Remember, this is Slow down, especially on higher These substances can cause glazing and the most dangerous time. speed roads. Your headlights can light up only so much road ahead. uneven braking. Check the body Don’t drink and drive. (See structure, steering, suspension, wheels, “Drunken Driving” in the Index for In remote areas, watch for animals. tires, and exhaust system for damage. more on this problem.) If you’re tired, pull off the road in a Also, check the fuel lines and cooling Adjust your inside rearview mirror to safe place and rest. system for any leakage. reduce the glare from headlights Your vehicle will require more frequent behind you. service due to off-road use. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule for additional information. 157 Your Driving and the Road

Night Vision But if you’re driving, don’t wear You can be temporarily blinded by No one can see as well at night as in the sunglasses at night. They may cut down approaching lights. It can take a second daytime. But as we get older these on glare from headlights, but they also or two, or even several seconds, for differences increase. A 50-year-old make a lot of things invisible that should your eyes to readjust to the dark. When driver may require at least twice as remain visible - such as parked cars, you are faced with severe glare (as from much light to see the same thing at night obstacles, pedestrians, or even trains a driver who doesn’t lower the high as a 20-year-old. blocking railway crossings. You may beams, or a vehicle with misaimed want to put on your sunglasses after you headlights), slow down a little. Avoid What you do in the daytime can also have pulled into a brightly-lighted staring directly into the approaching affect your night vision. For example, if service or refreshment area. Eyes lights. If there is a line of opposing you spend the day in bright sunshine shielded from that glare may adjust traffic, make occasional glances over the you are wise to wear sunglasses. Your more quickly to darkness back on the line of headlights to make certain that eyes will have less trouble adjusting to road. But be sure to remove your one of the vehicles isn’t starting to move night. sunglasses before you leave the service into your lane. Once you are past the area. bright lights, give your eyes time to readjust before resuming speed.

= = 158 High Beams When you follow another vehicle on a Dirty glass makes lights dazzle and flash If the vehicle approaching you has its freeway or highway, use low beams. more than clean glass would, making the high beams on, signal by flicking yours True, most vehicles now have day-night pupils of your eyes contract repeatedly. to high and then back to low beam. This mirrors that enable the driver to reduce You might even want to keep a cloth is the usual signal to lower the headlight glare. But outside mirrors are not of this and some glass cleaner in your vehicle if beams. If the other driver still doesn’t type and high beams from behind can you need to clean your glass frequently. lower the beams, resist the temptation to bother the driver ahead. Remember that your headlights light up put your high beams on. This only A Few More Night Driving far less of a roadway when you are in a makes two half-blinded drivers. Suggestions turn or curve. On a freeway, use your high beams only Keep your windshield and all the glass Keep your eyes moving; that way, it’s in remote areas where you won’t impair on your vehicle clean - inside and out. easier to pick out dimly lighted objects. approaching drivers. In some places, Glare at night is made much worse by Just as your headlights should be like cities, using high beams is illegal. dirt on the glass. Even the inside of the checked regularly for proper aim, so glass can build up a film caused by dust. should your eyes be examined regularly. Tobacco smoke also makes inside glass Some drivers suffer from night blindness surfaces very filmy and can be a vision - the inability to see in dim light - and hazard if it’s left there. aren’t even aware of it. Your Driving and the Road

*. ’ i I Driving in the Rain Rain and wet roads can mean driving traffic signals, pavement markings, the Driving too fast through large water trouble. On a wet road you can’t stop, edge of the road, and even people puddles or even going through some car accelerate or turn as well because your walking. Road spray can often be worse washes can cause problems, too. The tire-to-road traction isn’t as good as on for vision than rain, especially if it water may affect your brakes. Try to dry roads. And, if your tires don’t have comes from a dirty road. avoid puddles. But if you can’t, try to much tread left, you’ll get even less So it is wise to keep your wiping slow down before you hit them. traction. equipment in good shape and keep your It’s always wise to go slower and be windshield washer tank filled. Replace cautious if rain starts to fall while you your windshield wiper inserts when they Wet brakes can cause are driving. The surface may get wet show signs of streaking or missing areas I A- accidents. They won’t work suddenly when your reflexes are tuned on the windshield, or when strips of well in a quick stop and may cause for driving on dry pavement. rubber start to separate from the inserts. pulling to one side. You could lose control of the vehicle. The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your windshield wiper After driving through a large blades are in good shape, a heavy rain puddle of water or a car wash, can make it harder to see road signs and apply your brake pedal lightly until your brakes work normally. ...160 Hydroplaning Hydroplaning doesn’t happen often. But Some Other Rainy Weather Tips Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much it can if your tires haven’t much tread or Turn on your headlights - not just water can build up under your tires that if the pressure in one or more is low. It your parking lights - to help make they can actually ride on the water. This can happen if a lot of water is standing you more visible to others. on the road. If you can see reflections can happen if the road is wet enough Look for hard-to-see vehicles coming from trees, telephone poles, or other and you’re going fast enough. When from behind. You may want to use your vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little vehicles, and raindrops “dimple” the water’s surface, there could be your headlights even in daytime if it’s or no contact with the road. raining hard. hydroplaning. You might not be aware of Besides slowing down, allow some hydroplaning. You could drive along for Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There just isn’t a hard and fast extra following distance. And be some time without realizing your tires especially careful when you pass aren’t in constant contact with the road. rule about hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down when it is raining, and another vehicle. Allow yourself more You could find out the hard way: when clear room ahead, and be prepared to be careful. you have to slow, turn, move out to have your view restricted by road pass - or if you get hit by a gust of spray. If the road spray is so heavy wind. You could suddenly find yourself out of control. Your Drlvlng and the Road

H Driving in Fog, Mist you are actually blinded, drop back. and Haze probably thickening. Slow down to give Don’t pass until conditions improve. Fog can occur with high humidity or traffic behind you a chance to slow ~ Goingmore slowly is better than heavy fiost. It can be so mild that you down. Everybody then has a better having an accident. can see through it for several hundred chance to avoid hitting the vehicle Use your defogger if it helps. feet (meters). Or it might be so thick ahead. Have good tires with proper tread that you can see only a few feet (meters) A patch of dense fog may extend only depth. (See “Tires” in the Index.) ahead. It may come suddenly to an for a few feet (meters) or for miles otherwise clear road. And it can be a (kilometers); you can’t really tell while major hazard. you’re in it. You can only treat the When you drive into a fog patch, your situation with extreme care. visibility will be reduced quickly. The One common fog condition - biggest dangers are striking the vehicle sometimes called mist or ground fog - ahead or being struck by the one behind. can happen in weather that seems Try to “read” the fog density down the perfect, especially at night or in the road. If the vehicle ahead starts to early morning in valley and low, marshy become less clear or, at night, if the areas. You can be suddenly enveloped in taillights are harder to see, the fog is

99. 162 thick, wet haze that may even coat your Don’t use your high beams. The light property, but you might need to put windshield. You can often spot these fog will bounce off the water droplets that something between you and moving patches or mist layers with your make up fog and reflect back at you. vehicles - space, trees, telephone poles, headlights. But sometimes they can be Use your defogger. In high humidity, a private driveway, anything that waiting for you as you come over a hill even a light buildup of moisture on the removes you from other traffic. or dip into a shallow valley. Start your inside of the glass will cut down on your If visibility is near zero and you must windshield wipers and washer, to help already limited visibility. Run your stop but are unsure whether you are clear accumulated road dirt. Slow down windshield wipers and washer away from the road, turn your lights on, carefully. occasionally. Moisture can build up on start your hazard warning flashers, and Tips on Driving in Fog the outside glass, and what seems to be sound your horn at intervals or when If you get caught in fog, turn your fog may actually be moisture on the you hear approaching traffic. headlights on low beam, even in outside of your windshield. Pass other vehicles in fog only if you daytime. You’ll see - and be seen - Treat dense fog as an emergency. Try to can see far enough ahead to pass safely. better. find a place to pull off the road. Of Even then, be prepared to delay your course you want to respect another’s pass if you suspect the fog is worse up ahead. If other vehicles try to pass you, make it easy for them. 16399- Your Driving and the Road

H City Dnving One of the biggest problems with city Try to use the freeways that rim and Obey all posted speed limits. But streets is the amount of traffic on them. crisscross most large cities. You’ll remember that they are for ideal road, You’ll want to watch out for what the save time and energy. (See the next weather and visibility conditions. You other drivers are doing and pay attention section, “Freeway Driving.”) may need to drive below the posted to traffic signals. Treat a green light as a warning limit in bad weather or when visibility Here are ways to increase your safety in signal. A traffic light is there because is especially poor. city driving: the corner is busy enough to need it. Pull to the right (with care) and stop Know the best way to get to where When a light turns green, and just clear of intersections when you see or you are going. Try not to drive before you start to move, check both hear emergency vehicles. around trying to pick out a familiar ways for vehicles that have not street or landmark. Get a city map cleared the intersection or may be and plan your trip into an unknown running the red light. part of the city just as you would for a cross-country trip.

...164 Freeway Driving Mile for mile, freeways (also called Entering the Freeway Driving on the Freeway thruways, parkways, expressways, At the entrance there is usually a ramp Once you are on the freeway, adjust turnpikes, or superhighways) are the that leads to the freeway. If you have a your speed to the posted limit or to the safest of all roads. But they have their clear view of the freeway as you drive prevailing rate if it's slower. Stay in the own special rules. along the entrance ramp, you should right lane unless you want to pass. If The most important advice on freeway begin to check traffic. Try to determine you are on a two-lane freeway, treat the driving is: Keep up with traffic and keep where you expect to blend with the right lane as the slow lane and the left to the right. Drive at the same speed flow. If traffic is light, you may have no lane as the passing lane. most of the other drivers are driving. problem. But if it is heavy, find a gap as If you are on a three-lane freeway, treat Too-fast or too-slow driving breaks a you move along the entering lane and the right lane as the slower-speed smooth traffic flow. Treat the left lane time your approach. Try to merge into through lane, the middle lane as the on a freeway as a passing lane. the gap at close to the prevailing speed. higher-speed through lane, and the left Switch on your turn signal, check your lane as the passing lane. rearview mirrors as you move along, Before changing lanes, check your and glance over your shoulder as often rearview mirrors. Then use your turn as necessary. Try to blend smoothly signal. Just before you leave the lane, with the traffic flow. glance quickly over your shoulder to 165- Your Driving and the Road

make sure there isn’t another vehicle in Leaving the Freeway the through lane, and if there is traffic your ‘‘blind’ ’ spot. When you want to leave the freeway, close behind you, you can allow a little If you are moving from an outside to a move to the proper lane well in extra time and flash your brake lights (in center lane on a freeway having more advance. Dashing across lanes at the last addition to your turn signal) as extra than two lanes, make sure another minute is dangerous. If you miss your warning that you are about to slow vehicle isn’t about to move into the exit do not, under any circumstances, down and exit. same spot. Look at the vehicles two stop and back up. Drive on to the next The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes lanes over and watch for telltale signs: exit. quite sharply. The exit speed is usually turn signals flashing, an increase in At each exit point is a deceleration lane. posted. Reduce your speed according to speed, or moving toward the edge of the Ideally it should be long enough for you your speedometer, not to your sense of lane. Be prepared to delay your move. to enter it at freeway speed (after motion. After driving for any distance at Once you are moving on the freeway, signaling, of course) and then do your higher speeds, you may tend to think make certain you allow a reasonable braking before moving onto the exit you are going slower than you actually following distance. Expect to move ramp. Unfortunately, not all deceleration are. For example, 40 mph (65 km/h) slightly slower at night. lanes are long enough - some are too might seem like only 20 mph (30 km/h). short for all the braking. Decide when Obviously, this could lead to serious to start braking. If you must brake on trouble on a ramp designed for 20 mph (30 km/h)! ...166 IDriving a Long Distunce Before Leaving on a Long Trip Here are some things you can check Although most long trips today are made Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well before a trip: on freeways, there are still many made rested. If you must start when you’re Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the on regular highways. not fresh - such as after a day’s work reservoir full? Are all windows clean Long-distance driving on freeways and - don’t plan to make too many miles inside and outside? regular highways is the same in some that first part of the journey. Wear Wiper Blades: Are they in good ways. The trip has to be planned and the comfortable clothing and shoes you can shape? easily drive in. vehicle prepared, you drive at Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: higher-than-city speeds, and there are Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If Have you checked all levels? longer turns behind the wheel. You’ll you keep it serviced and maintained, it’s Lights: Are they all working? Are the l enjoy your trip more if you and your ready to go. If it needs service, have it vehicle are in good shape. Here are done before starting out. Of course, lenses clean? some tips for a successful long trip. you’ll find experienced and able service Tires: They are vitally important to a experts in Geo dealerships all across safe, trouble-free trip. Is the tread North America. They’ll be ready and good enough for long-distance willing to help if you need it. driving? Are the tires all inflated to the recommended pressure? 167-9. Your Driving and the Road

Weather Forecasts: What’s the Heavier meals tend to make some people Highway Hypnosis weather outlook along your route? sleepy. Is there actually such a condition as Should you delay your trip a short On two-lane highways or undivided “highway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain time to avoid a major storm system? multilane highways that do not have falling asleep at the wheel? Call it Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps? controlled access, you’ll want to watch highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or for some situations not usually found on whatever. On the Road freeways. Examples are: stop signs and There is something about an easy stretch Unless you are the only driver, it is signals, shopping centers with direct of road with the same scenery, along good to share the driving task with access to the highway, no passing zones with the hum of the tires on the road, others. Limit turns behind the wheel to and school zones, vehicles turning left the drone of the engine, and the rush of about 100 miles (160 km) or two hours and right off the road, pedestrians, the wind against the vehicle that can at a sitting. Then, either change drivers cyclists, parked vehicles, and even make you sleepy. Don’t let it happen to or stop for some refreshment like animals. you! If it does, your vehicle can leave coffee, tea or soft drinks and some the road in less than a second, and you limbering up. But do stop and move could crash and be injured. around. Eat lightly along the way. -- -- A

What can you do about highway drastically reduce your overall vision hypnosis? First, be aware that it can at the very time you need all the Driving on steep hills or mountains is happen. seeing power you have. different from driving in flat or rolling Then here are some tips: If you get sleepy, pull off the road terrain. If you drive regularly in steep Make sure your vehicle is well into a rest, service or parking area country, or if you’re planning to visit ventilated, with a comfortably cool and take a nap, get some exercise, or there, here are some tips that can make interior. both. For safety, treat drowsiness on your trips safer and more enjoyable. the highway as an emergency. (See “Off-Road Driving’’ in the Index Keep your eyes moving. Scan the for information about driving off-road.) road ahead and to the sides. Check As in any driving situation, keep pace your rearview mirrors frequently and with traffic and allow adequate Keep your vehicle in good shape. your instruments from time to time. following distances. Check all fluid levels and also the This can help you avoid a fixed stare. brakes, tires, cooling system and transmission. These ‘parts can work Wear good sunglasses in bright light. hard on mountain roads. Glare can cause drowsiness. But don’t wear sunglasses at night. They will Your Driving and the Road

Know how to go down hills. The CAUT/ON most important thing to know is this: If you don’t shift down, your A Coasting downhill in N let your engine do some of the A brakes could get so hot that r - a (Neutral) or with the ignition slowing down. Don’t make your they wouldn’t work well. You off is dangerous. Your brakes will brakes do it all. Shift to a lower gear would then have poor braking or have to do all the work of slowing when you go down a steep or long even none going down a hill. You down. They could get so hot that hill. That way, you will slow down could crash. Shift down to let your they wouldn’t work well. You without excessive use of your brakes. engine assist your brakes on a could crash. Always have your steep downhill slope. engine running and your vehicle in gear when you go downhill.

...170 H Parking on Hills Know how to go uphill. You may have enough room, slow down to Hills and mountains mean spectacular want to shift down to a lower gear. make it easier for the other vehicle to scenery. But please be careful where The lower gears help cool your get by. you stop if you decide to look at the engine and transmission, and you can As you go over the top of a hill, be view or take pictures. Look. for pull-offs climb the hill better. alert. There could be something in or parking areas provided for scenic Stay in your own lane when driving your lane, like a stalled car or an viewing. on two-lane roads in hills or accident. Another part of this manual tells how to mountains. Don’t swing wide or cut You may see highway signs on use your parking brake (see “Parking across the center of the road. Drive at mountains that warn of special Brake” in the Index). But on a mountain speeds that let you stay in your own problems. Examples are long grades, or steep hill, you can do one more lane. That way, you won’t be passing or no-passing zones, a falling thing. You can turn your front wheels to surprised by a vehicle coming toward rocks area, or winding roads. Be alert keep your vehicle from rolling downhill you in the same lane. to these and take appropriate action. or out into traffic. It takes longer to pass another vehicle Winter driving can present special Here’s how: when you’re going uphill. You’ll want problems. See ‘ ‘Winter Driving” in to leave extra room to pass. If a the Index. vehicle is passing you and doesn’t

171 9 Your Driving and the Road

Parking Downhill Parking Uphill If you're going uphill on a one-way Turn your wheels to the right. If there is a curb, turn your wheels to street and you're parking on the left the left if the curb is at the right side of side, your wheels should point to the You don't have to jam your tires against right. the curb, if there is a curb. A gentle your vehicle. contact is all you need.

... 172 Winter Driving [f there is no curb when you’re parking “torque lock.” To prevent torque lock, Here are some tips for winter driving: uphill, turn the wheels to the right. always be sure to shift into P (Park) Have your Geo in good shape for I [f there is no curb when you’re parking properly before you leave the driver’s winter. Be sure your engine coolant uphill on the left side of a one-way seat. To find out how, see ‘‘Shifting into mix is correct. (Park)” in the Index. street, your wheels should be turned to P Snow tires can help in loose snow, the left. When you are ready to drive, move the but they may give you less traction on Torque Lock (Automatic shift lever out of P (Park) BEFORE you ice than regular tires. If you do not Transmission) release the parking brake. expect to be driving in deep snow, but may have to travel over ice, you may If you are parking on a hill and you If torque lock does occur, you may need not want to switch to snow tires at all. don’t shift your transmission into P to have another vehicle push yours a (Park) properly, the weight of the little uphill to take some of the pressure vehicle may put too much force on the from the transmission, so you can pull the shift lever out of (Park). parking pawl in the transmission. You P may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of P (Park). This is called Your Driving and the Road rn

You may want to put winter Driving on Snow or Ice What’s the worst time for this? “Wet emergency supplies in your vehicle. Most of the time, those places where ice. ” Very cold snow or ice can be slick Include an ice scraper, a small brush your tires meet the road probably have and hard to drive on. But wet ice can be or broom, a supply of windshield good traction. even more trouble because it may offer the least traction of all. You can get washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer However, if there is snow or ice clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, “wet ice” when it’s about freezing between your tires and the road, you can (32°F; OOC) and freezing rain begins to a red cloth, and a couple of reflective have a very slippery situation. You’ll warning triangles. And, if you will be fall. Try to avoid driving on wet ice have a lot less traction or “grip” and until salt and sand crews can get there. driving under severe conditions, will need to be very careful. include a small bag of sand, a piece Whatever the condition - smooth ice, of old carpet or a couple of burlap packed, blowing or loose snow - drive bags to help provide traction. Be sure with caution. Accelerate gently. Try not you properly secure these items in to break the fragile traction. If you your vehicle. accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface under the tires even more.

...174 Your anti-lock brakes improve your Sometimes the surface of a curve or If You’re Caught in a Blizzard ability to make a hard stop on a slippery an overpass may remain icy when the If you are stopped by heavy snow, you road. Even though you have the surrounding roads are clear. If you could be in a serious situation. You anti-lock braking system, you’ll want to see a patch of ice ahead of you, brake should probably stay with your vehicle begin stopping sooner than you would before you are on it. Try not to brake unless you know for sure that you are on dry pavement. See “Anti-lock” in while you’re actually on the ice, and near help and you can hike through the the Index. avoid sudden steering maneuvers. snow. Here are some things to do to Allow greater following distance on any summon help and keep yourself and slippery road. your passengers safe: Turn on your Watch for slippery spots. The road hazard flashers. Tie a red cloth to your might be fine until you hit a spot vehicle to alert police that you’ve been that’s covered with ice. On an stopped by the snow. Put on extra otherwise clear road, ice patches may clothing or wrap a blanket around you. appear in shaded areas where the sun can’t reach: around clumps of trees, behind buildings, or under bridges. Your Driving andthe Road

.._

If you have no blankets or extra Snow can trap exhaust gases Run your engine only as long as you clothing, make body insulators from A under your vehicle. This can must. This saves fuel. When you run the newspapers, burlap bags, rags, floor cause deadly CO (carbon engine, make it go a little faster than mats - anything you can wrap around monoxide) gas to get inside. CO just idle. That is, push the accelerator yourself or tuck under your clothing to could overcome you and kill you. slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat keep warm. You can't see it or smell it, so you that you get and it keeps the battery might not know it was in your charged. You will need a well-charged You can run the engine to keep warm, vehicle. Clear away snow from but be careful. battery to restart the vehicle, and around the base of your vehicle, possibly for signaling later on with your especially any that is blocking your headlights. Let the heater run for exhaust pipe. And check around awhile. again from time to time to be sure snow doesn't collect there. Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost all the way to preserve Open a window just a little on the the heat. Start the engine again and side of the vehicle that's away repeat this only when you feel really from the wind. This will help keep uncomfortable from the cold. But do it co out. as little as possible. Preserve the fuel as 176 rn Towing a Trailer long as you can. To help keep warm, you can get out of the vehicle and do Pulling a trailer improperly can some fairly vigorous exercises every damage your vehicle and result in half hour or so until help comes. costly repairs not covered by you I If You’re Stuck in Deep Snow warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow the advice in this This manual explains how to get the section. vehicle out of deep snow without damaging it. See “Rocking Your Vehicle” in the Index. Your Driving and the Road

Your Geo can tow a trailer. To identify Load-pulling components such as the If You Do Decide to Pull a Trailer what the vehicle trailering capacity is for engine, transmission, wheel assemblies, If you do, here are some important your vehicle, you should read the and tires are forced to work harder points. information in “Weight of the Trailer” against the drag of the added weight. that appears later in this section. But The engine is required to operate at There are many different laws having trailering is different than just driving relatively higher speeds and under to do with trailering. Make sure your your vehicle by itself. Trailering means greater loads, generating extra heat. rig will be legal, not only where you changes in handling, durability, and fuel What’s more, the trailer adds live but also where you’ll be driving. economy. Successful, safe trailering considerably to wind resistance, A good source for this information takes correct equipment, and it has to be increasing the pulling requirements. can be state or provincial police. used properly. All of that means changes in: Consider using a sway control. That’s the reason for this section. In it Handling You can ask a hitch dealer about sway are many time-tested, important controls. Durability trailering tips and safety rules. Many of Don’t tow a trailer at all during the these are important for your safety and Fuel economy first 500 miles (800 km) your new that of your passengers. So please read vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle this section carefully before you pull a or other parts could be damaged. trailer.

9 178 Then, during the first 500 miles It depends on how you plan to use Customer Assistance Department (800 km) that you tow a trailer, don’t your rig. For example, speed, Chevrolet/Geo drive over 50 mph (80 h/h) and altitude, road grades, outside P.O. Box 7047 don’t make starts at full throttle. This temperature and how much your Troy, MI 48007 helps your engine and other parts of vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all In Canada, write to: your vehicle wear in at the heavier important. And, it can also depend on General Motors of Canada Limited loads. any special equipment that you have on your vehicle. Customer Assistance Center Three important considerations have 1908 Colonel Sam Drive to do with weight: You can ask your dealer for our Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 Weight of the Trailer trailering information or advice, or write us at: 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. Your Driving and the Road

Weight of the Trailer Tongue The trailer tongue (A) should weigh Loading” in the Index). Then be sure The tongue load (A) of any trailer is 10% of the total loaded trailer weight you won’t go over the GVW limit for an important weight to measure (B). After you’ve loaded your trailer, your vehicle. because it affects the total gross weigh the trailer and then the tongue, Hitches separately, to see if the weights are weight of your vehicle. The gross It’s important to have the correct hitch vehicle weight (GVW) includes the proper. If they aren’t, you may be able to get them right simply by equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo going by, and rough roads are a few you may carry in it, and the people moving some items around in the trailer. reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. who will be riding in the vehicle. And Here are some rules to follow: if you will tow a trailer, you must add Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s the tongue load to the GVW because Tires Will you have to make any holes in the body of your vehicle when you your vehicle will be carrying that Be sure your vehicle’s tires are weight, too. See “Loading Your install a trailer hitch? If you do, then inflated to the limit for cold tires. be sure to seal the holes later when Vehicle’’ in the Index for more You’ll find these numbers on the information about your vehicle’s you remove the hitch. If you don’t Certification label at the rear edge of seal them, deadly carbon monoxide maximum load capacity. the driver’s door (or see “Tire

...180 (CO) from your exhaust can get into Safety Chains Trailer Brakes your vehicle (see “Carbon You should always attach chains If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 Monoxide’’ in the Index). Dirt and between your vehicle and your trailer. pounds (450 kg) loaded, then it needs its water can, too. Cross the safety chains under the tongue own brakes - and they must be The bumpers on your vehicle are not of the trailer so that the tongue will not adequate. Be sure to read and follow the intended for hitches. Do not attach drop to the road if it becomes separated instructions for the trailer brakes so rental hitches or other bumper-type from the hitch. Instructions about safety you’ll be able to install, adjust and hitches to them. Use only a chains may be provided by the hitch maintain them properly. frame-mounted hitch that does not manufacturer or by the trailer Don’t tap into your vehicle’s brake attach to the bumper. manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer’s system if the trailer’s brake system recommendation for attaching safety will use more than 0.02 cubic inch chains. Always leave just enough slack (0.3 cc) of fluid from your vehicle’s so you can turn with your rig. And, master cylinder. If it does, both never allow safety chains to drag on the braking systems won’t work well. ground. You could even lose your brakes. Your Driving and the Road

Will the trailer brake parts take Driving With a Trailer Before you start, check the trailer hitch 3,000 psi (20 650 kPa) of pressure? If Towing a trailer requires a certain and platform, safety chains, electrical not, the trailer brake system must not amount of experience. Before setting out connector, lights, tires and mirror be used with your vehicle. for the open road, you’ll want to get to adjustment. If the trailer has electric If everything checks out this far, then know your rig. Acquaint yourself with brakes, start your vehicle and trailer make the brake fluid tap at the port the feel of handling and braking with the moving and then apply the trailer brake on the master cylinder that sends fluid added weight of the trailer. And always controller by hand to be sure the brakes to the rear brakes. But don’t use keep in mind that the vehicle you are are working. This lets you check your copper tubing for this. If you do, it driving is now a good deal longer and electrical connection at the same time. will bend and finally break off. Use not nearly so responsive as your vehicle During your trip, check occasionally to steel brake tubing. is by itself. be sure that the load is secure, and that the lights and any trailer brakes are still working.

88. 182 Following Distance Backing Up Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer Stay at least twice as far behind the Hold the bottom of the steering wheel When you tow a trailer, your vehicle vehicle ahead as you would when with one hand. Then, to move the trailer has to have a different turn signal driving your vehicle without a trailer. to the left, just move that hand to the flasher and extra wiring. The green This can help you avoid situations that left. To move the trailer to the right, arrows on your instrument panel will require heavy braking and sudden turns. move your hand to the right. Always flash whenever you signal a turn or lane Passing back up slowly and, if possible, have change. Properly hooked up, the trailer someone guide you. lights will also flash telling other drivers You’ll need more passing distance up Making Turns you’re about to turn, change lanes, or ahead when you’re towing a trailer. stop. And, because you’re a good deal longer, When you’re turning with a trailer, you’ll need to go much farther beyond make wider turns than normal. Do this When towing a trailer, the green arrows the passed vehicle before you can return so your trailer won’t strike soft on your instrument panel will flash for to your lane. shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees, or turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden burned out. Thus, you may think drivers maneuvers. Signal well in advance. behind you are seeing your signal when Your Driving and the Road

they are not. It’s important to check If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 shift into P (Park) yet, or into gear occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs pounds (450 kg), and you have a manual for a manual transmission. are still working. transmission with fifth gear, it’s better 2. Have someone place chocks under Driving on Grades not to use fifth gear. Just drive in fourth the trailer wheels. gear (or, as you need to, a lower gear). Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear 3. When the wheel chocks are in place, before you start down a long or steep Parking on Hills release the regular brakes until the downgrade. If you don’t shift down, you You really should not park your vehicle, chocks absorb the load. might have to use your brakes so much with a trailer attached, on a hill. If 4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then that they would get hot and no longer something goes wrong, your rig could apply your parking brake, and then work well. start to move. People can be injured, shift to P (Park), or R (Reverse) for On a long uphill grade, shift down and and both your vehicle and the trailer can a manual transmission. be damaged. reduce your speed to around 45 mph 5. If you have a four-wheel-drive (70 km/h) to reduce the possibility of But if you ever have to park your rig on vehicle, be sure the transfer case is engine and transmission overheating. a hill, here’s how to do it: in a drive gear - not in N (Neutral). 1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t

...184 It be dangerous tu get out Jof your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. If you have left the engine running, 6. Release the regular brakes. Maintenance When Trailer Towing the veficle can move suddenly. You Your vehicle will need service more or others could be injured. To be When You Are Ready to Leave after often when you’re pulling a trailer. See sure your vehicle won’t move, when Parking on a Hill the Maintenance Schedule for more on you’re on fairly level ground, use 1. Apply your regular brakes and hold this. Things that are especially important the steps that follow. the pedal down while you: in trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid (don’t overfill), If you have four-wheel drive, and Start your engine; your transfer case is in (NeutraI) , engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling N Shift into a gear; and system, and brake adjustment. Each of your vehicle will be free to roll, even if your shift lever is in Release the parking brake. these is covered in this manual, and the If (Park). So, be sure the transfer Index will help you find them quickly. P 2. Let up on the brake pedal. you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to case is in a drive gear - not in 3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear (Neutral). review these sections before you start N of the chocks. your trip. If you are parking a hill, or if on 4. Stop and have someone pick up and Check periodically to see that all hitch you’re pulling a trailer; also see store the chocks. “Parking On Hills” in the Index. nuts and bolts are tight.

185 9 = Your Driving and the Road

Recreational Towing Towing Your Geo from the Rear 2. Set the parking brake. There may be times when you want to The best way to tow your Geo is from 3. If your Geo is a four-wheel-drive tow your Geo behind another vehicle for the rear. Follow these steps: vehicle, set your manual use at your destination. Be sure to use 1 . Put the rear wheels on a dolly. free-wheeling hubs to FREE or the proper towing equipment designed unlock your automatic free-wheeling for recreational towing. Follow the hubs. See “Four-Wheel Drive’’ in instructions for the towing equipment. NOTlCE the Index. Do not tow your Geo with the re-- 4. Turn the ignition key to ACC to wheels in contact with the grounL, unlock the steering wheel. or the transmission could be 5. Clamp the steering wheel in a damaged. straight-ahead position, with a clamping device designed for towing. 6. Release the parking brake.

186 Towing Your Geo from the Front If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle Make sure that the towing speed with manual free-wheeling hubs, it can dues not exceed 55 mph be towed from the front with all four (90 km/h), or your Geo could be wheels on the ground. Follow these badly damaged. If your vehicle has automatic steps: I free-wheelinghubs or two-whet I drive, do not tow it on all fa 1. Set the parking brake. 2. Turn the ignition key to ACC to I wheels. If you do, you transmission could be damaged. unlock the steering wheel. Your Driving and the Road

3. Shift your automatic transmission Stop towing every 200 miles (300 km) NU I Kt into P (Park), or your manual and start the engine. Leave the transfer transmission into 2 (Second). case shift lever in N (Neutral). Shift Make sure that the towing speed 4. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). your automatic transmission to does not exceed 50 mph D (Drive); leave a manual transmission (80 km/h), or your Geo could 5. Set the hubs to FREE.See in 2 (Second) and release the clutch. badly damaged. “Four-Wheel Drive” in the Index. Run the engine at medium speed for one 6. Release the parking brake. minute to circulate the oil in the transfer case. Turn the ignition key to ACC. Now, you can continue towing your Geo .

= - 9 188 Problems on the Road

Here you’ll find what to do Hazard Warning Flashers ...... 190 about some problems that can rumpstarting ...... 191 occur on the road. I‘owingYourVehicle ...... 196 3ngineOverheating ...... 200 [faTireGoesFlat ...... 208 [f You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow ...... 217

189- - Problems on the Road

IHazard Warning fishers Press th e button in t:o mak 'our fr'on t To turn off the flashers, push the switch Your hazard warning flashers let you and rear turn signal lights flash on and again. warn others. They also let police know off. When the hazard warning flashers are you have a problem. Your front and Your hazard warning flashers work no on, your turn signals won't work. rear turn signal lights will flash on and matter what position your key is in, and Other Warning Devices off. even if the key isn't in. 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 Batteries can hurt you. They Ignoring these steps could result in jumper cables to start your Geo. But L can be dangerous because: costly damage to your vehicle that please follow the steps below to do it 0 They contain acid that can burn wouldn't be covered by your safely. you. warranty. They contain gas that can Trying to start your Geo by explode or ignite. pushing or pulling it could damage your vehicle, even if you have a They contain enough electricity manual transmission. And if you to burn you. have an automatic transmission, it If you don't follow these steps won't start that way. exactly, some or all of these thin can hurt you.

191 Problems on the Road

To Jump Start Your Geo 2. Get the vehicles close enough so the CAUTION -1 1. Check the other vehicle. It must have jumper cables can reach, but be sure You could be injured if the a 12-volt battery with a negative the vehicles aren’t touching each A vehicles roll. Set the parking ground system. other. If they are, it could cause a brake firmly on each vehicle. Put ground connection you don’t want. an automatic transmission in You wouldn’t be able to start your P (Park) or a manual transmission Geo, and the bad grounding could in N (Neutral). If you have a darnage the electrical systems. If the other system isn’t a 12-volt I four-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure system with a negative ground, the transfer case is not in both vehicles can be damaged. N (Neutral). I I 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. 3. Turn off the ignition on both 4. Open the hoods and locate the vehicles. Turn off all lights that batteries. Be sure the battery has enough aren’t needed, and radios. This will water. You don’t need to add avoid sparks and help save both water to the Delco Freedom* batteries. And it could save your CAUTiON battery installed in every new GM vehicle. But if a battery has filler radio! A An electric fan can start up caps, be sure the right amount of - even when the engine is not fluid is there. If it is low, add running and can injure you. Keep water to take care of that first. If hands, clothing and tools away you don’t, explosive gas could be f you leave your radio on, it from any underhood electric fan. present. ould be badly damaged. Thc Battery fluid contains acid that can ?pairs wouldn’i 2 cove--?by Find the positive (+) and negative burn you. Don’t get it on you. If our warrant. (-) terminals on each battery. 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 6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to have loose or missing insulation. If Fans or other moving engine the positive (+) terminal of the they do, you could get a shock. The \ parts can injure you badly. vehicle with the dead battery. Use a vehicles could be damaged, too. -eep your hands away from remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one. Before you connect the cables, here moving parts once the engines are are some things you should know. running. 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. 1 L

7. Don’t let the other end touch metal. 8. Now connect the black negative (-) 9. Attach the cable at least 18 inches Connect it to the positive (+) cable to the good battery’s negative (45 cm) away from the dead terminal of the good battery. Use a ( -) terminal. battery, but not near engine parts remote positive (+) terminal if the Don’t let the other end touch that move. The electrical vehicle has one. anything until the next step. The connection is just as good there, but other end of the negative cable the chance of sparks getting back to doesn’t go to the dead battery. It the battery is much less. goes to a heavy unpainted metal part on the engine of the vehicle with the dead battery. Problems on the Road

I r I-

Towing Your Vehicle 10. Now start the vehicle with the good 12. Remove the cables in reverse order Try to have a GM dealer or a battery and run the engine for to prevent electrical shorting. Take professional towing service tow your awhile. care that they don't touch each Geo. The usual towing equipment is a 11. Try to start the vehicle with the other or any other metal. sling-type (A) or a wheel-lift (B) or car dead battery. A. HeavyMetal Engine Part carrier (C) tow truck. If it won't start after a few tries, it B. Good Battery If your vehicle has been changed or probably needs service. modified since it was factory-new by C. DeadBattery 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 When your vehicle is being towed, have drive, or that it has the * T- help avoid injury to you or the ignition key off. The steering wheel four-wheel-drive option. should be clamped in a straight-ahead The make, model, and year of your Never let passengers ride in a position, with a clamping device vehicle. vehicle that is being towed. designed for towing service. Do not use the vehicle’s steering column lock for Whether you can still move the shift Never tow faster than safe or this. The transmission and transfer case, levers for the transmission and posted speeds if you have one, should be in Neutral transfer case, if you have one. Never tow with damaged parts and the parking brake released. If there was an accident, what was not fully secured. damaged. 0 Never get under your vehicle When the towing service arrives, let the after it has been lifted by the tow operator know that this manual tow truck. contains detailed towing instructions and * Always use separate safety illustrations. The operator may want to chains on each side when towing see them. a vehicle. Never use T-hooks. Use “J” hooks instead. Problems on the Road

CAUTION Don’thave your vehicle towedwith the IFront Towing Hook-Ups rear wheels in contact with the ground. A A vehicle can fall from a car Attach “J” hooks to the rear oIf lower If a vehicle must be towed from the I ’ \ carrier if it isn’t properly control arms inboard of springs front with sling-type or wheel lift ,,cured. This can cause a equipment, the rear wheels must be collision, serious personal injury supported on a dolly. and vehicle damage. The vehicle If your vehicle has four-wheel drive, should be tightly secured with don’t have it towed on the front wheels chains or steel cables before it is unless you must. If a vehicle with transported. four-wheel drive must be towed on the Don’t use substitutes (ropes, front wheels, set your manual, leather straps, canvas webbing, free-wheeling hubs to FREE or unlock etc.) that can be cut by sharp your automatic free-wheeling hubs, and edges underneath the towed set your transfer case to two-wheel vehicle. drive. If your vehicle must be towed on the front wheels, don’t go more than 55 mph (90 km/h).

= 9.198 Position 4x4 wood beam across sling Attach a separate safety chain around Rear Towing Hook-Ups chains and against lower control arm outboard end of each lower control arm. Attach “J” hooks around axle tube. front attachment brackets. Position the lower sling crossbar in front and against 4x4 wood beam. I Take care not to damage the brake I pipes on the axle tubes. 1 Problems on the Road

A L H Engine Overheating Position the sling crossbar under and Attach a separate safety chain around You will find a coolant temperature forward of the rear bumper. the outboard end of each side of the rear gage on your Geo instrument panel. axle.

. = = 200 If Steam Is Coming from Your Engine: If your engine catches fire becaw- IOU keep driving with no coolant, four vehicle can be badly ' Steam from an overheated engine can burn you badly, even if you just imaged. The costly repairs wou -open the hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam II aot be covered by your warranty. coming from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away from the vehicle until I 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. Problems on the Road

If No Steam Is Coming from Your If you get the overheat warning with no If the warning continues, pull over, Engine: sign of steam, try this for a minute or stop, and park your vehicle right away. If you get the overheat warning but see so: If there’s still no sign of steam, you can or hear no steam, the problem may not 1. If you have an air conditioner, turn it idle the engine for two or three minutes be too serious. Sometimes the engine off. while you’re parked, to see if the can get a little too hot when you: 2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the warning stops. But then, if you still have Climb a long hill on a hot day. highest fan speed and open the the warning, TURN OFF THE window as necessary. ENGINE AND GET EVERYONE OUT Stop after high speed driving. OF THE VEHICLE until it cools down. Idle for long periods in traffic. 3. If you’re in a traffic jam, shift to N (Neutral). You may decide not to lift the hood but Tow a trailer. to get service help right away. 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.

...202 When you decide it’s safe to lift the If the coolant inside the coolant recovery unu I lVlV hood, here’s what you’ll see: tank is boiling, don’t do anything else Heater and radiator hoses, 1. Coolant Recovery Tank until it cools down. 1 L and other engine parts, can be r 2. Radiator Pressure Cap The coolant level should be at or above very hot. Don’t touch them. If you FULL. If it isn’t, you may have a leak do, you can be burned. Electric Engine Fan 3. in the radiator hoses, heater hoses, Don’t run the engine if there is a radiator, water pump or somewhere else leak. If you run the engine, it in the cooling system. could lose all coolant. That could A An electric fan under the cause an engine fire, and you hood can start up even when could be burned. Get any leak thL @ne is not running and can fixed before you drive the vehicle. injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan. Don’t reach through the grille to release the underhood lever. I L- II E 203 = Problems on the Road c

How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Engine damage from running yollr I Recovery Tank A Adding only plain water to engine without coolant isn’t If you haven’t found a problem yet, but L your cooling system can be covered by your warranty. dangerous. Plain water, or some I the coolant level isn’t at or above FULL, add a 50/50 mixture of clean other liquid, like alcohol, can boil If there seems to be no leak, check to water (preferably distilled) and the before the proper coolant mix will. see if the electric engine fan is running. proper antifreeze at the coolant recovery Your vehicle’s coolant warning If the engine is overheating, the fan tank. (See “Engine Coolant” in the system is set for the proper coolant should be running. If it isn’t, your Index for more information about the mix. With plain water, or the vehicle needs service. proper coolant mix.) 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

When the coolant in the coolant ' In cold weather, water can freeze recovery tank is at or above FULL, Steam and scalding liquids and crack the engine, radiator, start your vehicle. - b from a hot cooling system car \eater core and other parts. Us If the overheat warning continues, blow out and burn you badly. I he recommended coolant. there's one more thing you can try. You I They are under pressure, and if can add the proper coolant mix directly you turn the radiator pressure cap to the radiator, but be sure the cooling - even a little - they can come system is cool before you do it. out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the cooling system, I A You canbe burned if you including the radiator pressure cap, - b spill coolant on hot engine is hot. Wait for the cooling system parts. Coolant contains ethylene and radiator pressure cap to cool il glycol and it will burn if the you ever have to turn the pressure engine parts are hot enough. Don't cap. -?ill coolant on a hot engine.

205 Problems on the Road

I I A

How to Add Coolant to the Radiator 2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, 3. Fill the radiator with the proper mix, 1. You can remove the radiator pressure but now push down as you turn it. up to the base of the filler neck. cap when the cooling system, Remove the pressure cap. 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. 4. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to 5. Put the cap back on the coolant 6. Start the engine and let it run until the FULL mark. recovery tank, but leave the radiator you can feel the upper radiator hose pressure cap off. getting hot. Watch out for the engine fan. r 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. Problems on the Road

Zf a Tire Goes Hut Then replace the pressure cap. Be It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out’’ In any rear blowout, remove your foot sure the ears on the pressure cap line while you’re driving, especially if you from the accelerator pedal. Get the up like this. maintain your tires properly. If air goes vehicle under control by steering the out of a tire, it’s much more likely to way you want the vehicle to go. It may leak out slowly. But if you should ever be very bumpy and noisy, but you can have a “blowout, ” here are a few tips still steer. Gently brake to a stop, well about what to expect and what to do: off the road if possible. If a front tire fails, the flat tire will If your tire goes flat, the next section create a drag that pulls the vehicle shows how to use your jacking toward that side. Take your foot off the equipment to change a flat tire safely. accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly. Steer to maintain lane ChanginQ a Flat lire position, then gently brake to a stop well If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and out of the traffic lane. wheel damage by driving slowly to a A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, level place. Turn on your hazard acts much like a skid and may require warning flashers. the same correction you’d use in a skid.

.. 9 208 CAUTION The equipment you’ll need is under the Changing a tire can cause an injury. The vehicle can slip off the jack front seats. A and roll over you or other people. You and they could be badly injured. The jack and wheel wrench are under Find a level place to change your tire. To help prevent the vehicle from the passenger’s seat. 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 - not in 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. 209 = The jack handle is under the driver’s Start with the jack (A), jack handle (B) The spare tire is mounted on your seat. and wheel wrench (C). tailgate. Pull the cover off of the spare tire.

.210 Insert your key into the wheel lock and Remove wheel nuts with the wheel Using the wheel wrench, loosen all the pull the wheel lock off. wrench. wheel nuts. Don’t remove them yet. 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.

211 Problems on the Road

Under the vehicle near each wheel, Raise the vehicle by rotating the wheel there are bosses in the vehicle’s rocker Raising your vehicle with the jack wrench clockwise. Raise the vehicle far flange. Position the jack and raise the improperly positioned will damage enough so there is enough room for the jack head until it fits firmly onto the the vehicle or may allow the spare tire to fit. bosses nearest the flat tire. Do not raise vehicle to fall off the jack. Be sure the vehicle yet. to fit the jack lift head into the proper location before raising your Ivehicle. A Getting under a vehicle when d itis jacked up is dangerous. If LII~vehicle slips off the jack, you could be badly injured or killed. Never get under a vehicle when it is supported only by a jack.

. .212 r '_.-

Remove all the wheel nuts and take off Remove any rust or dirt from the wheel the flat tire. Rust or dirt on the wheel, or bolts, mounting surfaces or spare wheel. on the parts to which it is Place the spare on the wheel mounting fastened, can make the wheel nuts surface. 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 get all the rust or dirt off. -= Problems on the Road

CAUTION Replace the wheel nuts with the rounded Tighten each nut by hand until the wheel * Never use oil or grease on end of the nuts toward the wheel. is held against the hub. 1studs or nuts. If you do, the nuts might come loose. Your wheel could fall off, causing a I serious accident.

...21 4 I

Lower the vehicle by rotating the wheel Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a wrench counterclockwise. Lower the criss-cross sequence as shown. Incorrect wheel nuts or completely. A improperly tightened wheel I nuts can cause the wheel to I 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 Replace the jack, jack handle, flat tire, 2. Jack and wheel wrench. 3. Clamp 4. Wrench * Storing a tire in thepassenger 5. Jack Handle - compartment of the vehicle 6. Front Driver Seat - 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 ‘ If you let your tires spin at Spinning your wheels can destroy Snow 42high speed, they can explode parts of your vehicle as well as th What you don’t want to do when your and you or others could be injured. tires. If you spin the wheels too vehicle is stuck is to spin your wheels. And, the transmission and other fast while shifting your The method known as “rocking” can parts of the vehicle can overheat. transmission back and forth, you help you get out when you’re stuck, but That could cause an engine can destroy your transmission. you must use caution. 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. Problems on the Road

----

Rocking your vehicle to get it out: doesn’t get you out after a few tries, Using the Recovery Hooks First, turn your steering wheel left and you may need to be towed out. Or, you If you ever get stuck in sand, mud, ice, right. That will clear the area around can use your recovery hooks. If you do or snow, your Tracker is equipped with your front wheels. Then shift back and need to be towed out, see ‘‘Towing recovery hooks. The recovery hooks are forth between R (Reverse) and a Your Vehicle” in the Index. provided at the front and rear of your forward gear (or with a manual vehicle. You may need to use them if transmission, between First or Second you’re stuck off-road and need to be gear and Reverse), spinning the wheels pulled to some place where you can as little as possible. Release the continue driving. accelerator pedal while you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transmission is in gear. If that I The recovery hooks when Never use the recovery hooks to used, are under a lot of force. tow the vehicle. Your Tracker Always pull the vehicle straight could be damaged and it would no1 out. Never pull on the hooks at a be covered by warrant] sideways angle. The hooks could break off and you or others could be injured from the chain or cable snapping back. Notes

- 220 Part 6 iiiervice & Appearance Care Service ...... 222 Fuel ...... 223 Checking. Things . underthe Hood ...... 227 HoodRelease ...... 227 Engineoil ...... 229 Aircleaner ...... 233 Automatic Transmission Fluid ...... 234 Manual Transmission Fluid...... 237 Clutch Adjustment...... 238 Here you wit1 find information RearAxle ...... 238 about the care of your Geo . This Four-WheelDrive ...... 239 part begins with service and fuel Enginecoolant...... 240 information. and then it shows Power Steering Fluid...... 243 how to check important fluid and Windshield Washer Fluid ...... 244 lubricant levels . There is also Brake Master Cylinder ...... 245 technical information about your Battery ...... 247 vehicle. and a section devoted to Bulb Replacement ...... 248 LoadingYourVehicle ...... 252 its appearance care . Tires ...... 253 Appearancecare ...... 261 Appearance Care and MaintenanceMaterials ...... 271 Vehicle Identification Number...... 272 Service Parts Identification Label...... 272 Add-on Electrical Equipment...... 272 Fuses and CircuitBreakers ...... 273 ReplacementBulbs ...... 276 Capacities and Specifications ...... 277 221 . !mice & Appearance Care

rn Service I’CAU TION Your Geo dealer knows your vehicle Geo than this manual can. To order the You can be injured if you try best and wants you to be happy with it. proper service manual, see “Service d-h to do service work on a We hope you’ll go to your dealer for all Publications” in the Index. vehicle without knowing enough your service needs. You’ll get genuine You should keep a record with all parts about it. GM parts and GM-trained and supported receipts and list the mileage and the date 9 Be sure you have sufficient service people, of any service work you perform. See knowledge, experience, and We hope you’ll want to keep your GM “Maintenance Record” in the Index. proper replacement parts and- vehicle all GM. Genuine GM parts have tools before you attempt any one of these marks. vehicle maintenance task. Doing Your Own Service Work * Be sure to use the proper nuts, If you want to do some of your own bolts and other fasteners. service work, you’ll want to get the “English” and “metric” proper Geo Service Manual. It tells you fmners can be easily confused. much more about how to service your If you use the wrong fasteners, parts can later break or fall off. You could be hurt. ...222 Fuel I NOTICE Use regular unleaded gasoline rated at drive. If it’s bad enough, it can damage 87 octane or higher. It should meet your engine. specifications, ASTM D4814 in the U.S. If you’re using fuel rated at 87 octane or and CGSB 3.5-M92 in Canada. These higher and you still hear heavy fuels should have the proper additives, knocking, your engine needs service. r so you should not have to add anything But don’t worry if you hear a little c to the fuel. pinging noise when you’re accelerating In the U.S. and Canada, it’s easy to be or driving up a hill. That’s normal, and sure you get the right kind of gasoline you don’t have to buy a higher octane (unleaded). You’ll see UNLEADED fuel to get rid of pinging. It’s the heavy, right on the pump. And only unleaded constant knock that means you have a nozzles will fit into your vehicle’s filler problem. neck. What about gasoline with blending Be sure the posted octane is at least 87. materials that contain oxygen, such as If the octane is less than 87, you may MTBE or alcohol? get a heavy knocking noise when you

223 - Service & Appearance Care

MTBE is ‘‘methyl tertiary-butyl ether. ’ ’ Gasolines for Cleaner Air Fuel that is no more than 15% MTBE is Your use of gasoline with detergent fine for your vehicle. methanol is bad for your vehicle. additives will help prevent deposits from Ethanol is ethyl or grain alcohol. on’t use it. It can corrode metal forming in your engine and fuel system. Properly-blendedfuel that is no more I parts in your fuel system and also That helps keep your engine in tune and than 10% ethanol is fine for your damage plastic and rubber pr your emission control system working vehicle. I That damage wouldn’t be covered properly. It’s good for your vehicle, and Methanol ismethyl or wood alcohol. I under your warranty. And e-? at you’ll be doing your part for cleaner air. 5% or less, there must be Many gasolines are now blended with “cosolvents” and corrosion materials called oxygenates. General ,:eventers in this fuel +nhpll Motors recommends that you use I 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 Fuels in Foreign Countries company that does business in the now producing reformulated gasolines. If you plan on driving in another country where you’ll be driving. These gasolines are specially designed to country outside the U.S. or Canada, You can also write us at the following reduce vehicle emissions. General unleaded fuel may be hard to find. Do address for advice. Just tell us where Motors recommends that you use not use leaded gasoline. If you use even you’re going and give your Vehicle reformulated gasoline. By doing so, you one tankful, your emission controls Identification Number (VIN). can help clean the air, especially in won’t work well or at all. With General Motors of Canada Limited those parts of the country that have high continuous use, spark plugs can get ozone levels, International Export Sales fouled, the exhaust system can corrode, P.O. Box 828 You should ask your service station and your engine oil can deteriorate Oshawa, Ontario LIH 7N1 operators if their gasolines contain quickly. Your vehicle’s oxygen sensor Canada detergents and oxygenates, and if they will be damaged. All of that means have been reformulated to reduce costly repairs that wouldn’t be covered vehicle emissions. by your warranty. To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or contact a major oil Service & Appearance Care

I Filling Your Tank I NU I ILt If you get gasoline on you and If you need a new cap, be sure to then something ignites it, you get the right type. Your dealer can bAu 1 lU/V could be badly burned. Gasoline get one for you. If you get the 1 Gasoline vapor is highly can spray out on you if you open wrong type, it may not fit or have flammable. It bums violently, the fuel filler cap too quickly. This proper venting, and your fuel tank ‘ ~ spray can happen if your tank is and emissions system IT ‘It be and that can cause very bad ‘ injuries. Don’t smoke if you’re nearly full, and is more likely in damal near gasoline or refueling your hot weather. Open the fuel filler vehicle. Keep sparks, flames, and cap slowly and wait for any smoking materials away from “hiss” noise to stop. Then gasoline. unscrew the cap all the way.

The cap is behind a hinged door on the When you put the cap back on, turn it to right side of your vehicle. the right until you hear a clicking noise. To take off the cap, turn it slowly to the left (counterclockwise). ...226 H Checking l7tings under the Hood Then go to the front of the vehicle, push Lift the hood, release the hood prop down lightly on the hood, and push the from its retainer and put the hood prop Hood Release hood release lever to your left. into the slot in the hood. To open the hood, first pull the release handle inside the glove box.

227 = 9 9 Service & Appearance Care

7."

a l-I LUU I lV1V An electric fan under the When you open the hood, you'll see: 11. Windshield Washer Reservoir hood can start up and injure 1. Battery 12. Main Fuse Box you even when the engine is not running. Keep hands, clothing and 2. Automatic Transmission Dipstick (Option) CAUTION tools away from any underhood electric Don't reach through 3. Oil Fill Cap Things that burn can get on fan. hot engine parts and start a the grille to release the underhood 4. Brake Fluid Reservoir A lever. I fire. These include liquids like 5. Air Cleaner gasoline, oil, coolant, brake fluid, 6. Power Steering Reservoir (Option) windshield washer and other 7. Engine Coolant Reservoir fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others could be burned. Be 8. Radiator Cap careful not to drop or spill things 9. Electric Fan that will burn onto a hot engine. 10. EngineOil Dipstick Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on. ...228 Engine Oil Then lift the hood to relieve pressure on It’s a good idea to check your engine oil To Check Engine Oil: Pull out the the hood prop. Remove the hood prop level every time you get fuel. In order dipstick and clean it with a paper towel from the slot in the hood and return the to get an accurate reading, the oil must or cloth, then push it back in all the prop to its retainer. Then just let the be warm and the vehicle must be on way. Remove it again, keeping the tip hood down and close it firmly. level ground. lower. 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. Service & Appearance Care

When to Add Oil: If the oil is at or Just fill it enough to put the level below the ADD mark, you’ll need to Don’t add too much oil. If your somewhere in the proper operating add some oil. But you must use the right engine has so much oil that the oil range. Push the dipstick all the way kind. This section explains what kind of level gets above the upper mark back in when you’re through. oil to use. For crankcase capacity, see that shows the proper operating “Capacities and Specifications’’ in the range, your engine could be Index. damaged. Recommended SAE Viscosity Grade Engine Oils For best fuel economy and cold starting, select the lowest SAE viscosity grade oil for the expectedtemperature range. HOT WEATHER @1 5W.30

4$ c~coNs.8 LOOK FOR THIS What Kind of Oil to Use: LABEL SAE 5W-30 Look for three things: As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE SG 5W-30is best for your vehicle. However, you can use SAE 1OW-30 SG must be on the oil container, if it’s going to be 0°F (- 18°C) or either by itself or combined with other -- above. quality designations, such as SGKC, SAE 1OW-30 SG/CD, SF, SG, CC, etc. These 1-1 These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do letters show American Petroleum SAE 5W-30 Institute (API) levels of quality. PREFERRED not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 1OW-40 or SAE 2OW-50. COLD Energy Conserving I1 WEATHER Oils with these words on the container you use oils that don’t have the IF NEITHER SAE 5W-30 NORSAE 1OW-30 GRADE OILS ARE AVAILABLE, SAE 30 GRADE will help you save fuel. BG designation, you can cause MAY BE USED AT TEMPERATURES ABOVE engine damage not covered Sy 40 DEGREES F (4 DEOREES C). your warranty. DO NOT USE SAE 10W-40, SAE 2OW-50 OR 1 ANYOTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED. 231 Service & Appearance Care

This doughnut-shaped logo (symbol) is When to Change Engine Oil: See if If any one of these is true for your used on most oil containers to help you any one of these is true for you: vehicle, you need to change your oil select the correct oil. Most trips are less than 4 miles and filter every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months - whichever comes first. You should look for this on the oil (6 km). container, and use only those oils that It’s below freezing outside and most If none of them is true, change oil and display the logo. trips are less than 10 miles (16 km). filter every 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 7.5 months - whichever comes first. GM Goodwrench@oil (in Canada, GM ‘ The engine is at low speed most of Engine Oil) meets all the requirements the time (as in door-to-door delivery, for your vehicle. or in stop-and-go traffic). Engine Oil Additives: Don’t add You tow a trailer often. anything to your oil. Your Geo dealer is ready to advise if you think something Most trips are through dusty places. should be added. The vehicle is frequently operated off-road. -m Air Cleaner What to Do with Used Oil: Used oil can be a real threat to the Refer to your Maintenance Schedule to environment. If you change your own determine when to replace the air filter. oil, be sure to drain all free-flowing oil See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” CAUTION from the filter before disposal. Don’t in the Index. Used engine oil contains ever dispose of it by pouring it on the D things that have caused skin ground, into sewers, or into streams or Gancer in laboratory animals. bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by Don’t let used oil stay on your taking it to a place that collects used oil. A Operating the engine with the skin for very long. Clean your If you have a problem properly L air cleaner off can cause you skin and nails with soap and water disposing of your used oil, ask your or others to be burned. The air or a good hand cleaner. Wash or dealer, a service station or a local cleaner not only cleans the air, it properly throw away clothing or recycling center for help. stops flame if the engine backfires. rags containing used engine oil. 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

Automatic Tmnsmissian Fluid Air Filter Replacement When to Check and Change: If the air cleaner is off, a backfire To check or replace the filter, remove A good time to check your automatic can cause a damaging engine fire. the screws and lift up the cover. transmission fluid level is when the And, dirt can easily get into your engine oil is changed. Refer to the engine, which will damage it. Maintenance Schedule to determine Always have the air cleaner in when to change your fluid. See place when you're driving. "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 ' /vuI IL-t In heavy traffic - especially in hot To check transmission fluid cold: weather. A cold check is made after the vehicle While pulling a trailer. has been sitting for eight hours or more To get the right reading, the fluid should with the engine off and is used only as a be at normal operating temperature, reference. Let the engine run at idle for which is 180°F to 200°F (82°Cto five minutes if outside temperatures are U 93°C). 50°F (10°C)or more. If it's colder than 50°F (lO°C), you may have to idle the To check transmission fluid hot: engine longer. A hot check must follow Wait at least 30 minutes before checking Get the vehicle warmed up by driving when fluid is added during a cold check. the transmission fluid level if you have about 15 miles (24 km) when outside been driving: temperatures are above 50°F (10°C).If it's colder than 50°F (lO°C),drive the When outside temperatures are above vehicle in D (Third Gear) until the 90°F (32°C). engine temperature gage moves and then At high speed for quite a while. remains steady for ten minutes. Then follow the hot check procedures.

235 9 Service & Appearance Care

To check the fluid hot or cold: Then, without shutting off the engine, How to Add Fluid: Park your vehicle on a level place. follow these steps: Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to Place the shift lever in P (Park) with 1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with determine what kind of transmission the parking brake applied. a clean rag or paper towel. fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index. With your foot on the brake pedal, 2. Push it back in all the way, wait move the shift lever through each gear three seconds and then pull it back If the fluid level is low, add only range, pausing for about three seconds out again. enough of the proper fluid to bring the in each range. Then, position the shift 3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and level up into the COLD area for a cold lever in P (Park). read the lower level. The fluid level check or the HOT area for a hot check. must be in the COLD (A) area for a It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less Let the engine run at idle for three than a pint. Don’t overfill. We minutes or more. cold check or in the HOT (B) or cross-hatched area for a hot check. recommend you use only fluid labeled DEXRON@-11, because fluids with that 4. If the fluid level is where it should label are made especially for our be, push the dipstick back in all the automatic transmission. Damage caused way. by fluid other than DEXRON@-I1 is not covered by your new vehicle warranty. ...236 Manual Transmiisioon Fluid After adding fluid, recheck the fluid When to Check and Change: level as described under “How to A good time to have it checked is when 90much or too little fluid can Check. ” the engine oil is changed. Refer to the ...anage your transmission. Too When the correct fluid level is Maintenance Schedule to find out when much can mean that some of the obtained, push the dipstick back in all to change your transmission fluid. See fluidcould come out and fall on I the way. ‘‘Scheduled Maintenance Services’’ in hot engine parts, starting a fire. the Index. I sure to get an accurate reading if How to Check: you check your transmission fluid. I Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this Check the fluid level only when your done at a Geo dealership Service engine is off, the vehicle is parked on a Department. level place and the transmission is cool enough for you to rest your fingers on If you do it yourself, be sure to follow the transmission case. all the instructions here, or you could get a false reading.

237 8 Clutch Adjustment Rear Axle Then, follow these steps: The clutch linkage in your vehicle When to Check and Change 1. Remove the filler plug. should be checked as recommended in Lubricant: your Maintenance Schedule. To check, Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to 2, Check that the lubricant level is up to push the clutch pedal down with your the bottom of the filler plug hole. determine how often to check the hand until you feel some resistance to lubricant and when to change it. See How to Add Fluid: movement of the pedal. If the pedal “Periodic Maintenance Inspections” and Here’s how to add fluid. Refer to the moves freely up to an inch (25 mm) or “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in Maintenance Schedule to see what kind so before you feel resistance to the the Index. travel, adjustment isn’t needed. of fluid to use. See “Recommended How to Check Lubricant: Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index. If there is no free travel or very little If the level is below the bottom of the (less than 5/8 of an inch), see your 1. Remove the filler plug. filler plug hole, you’ll need to add some dealer for adjustment. 2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add lubricant. Add enough lubricant to raise only enough fluid to bring the fluid the level to the bottom of the filler plug level up to the bottom of the filler hole. plug hole. 3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug is fully seated. What to Use: Four- Wheel Drive What to Use: Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to Most lubricant checks in this section Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of lubricant to use. also apply to four-wheel-drive vehicles. determine what kind of lubricant to use. See “Recommended Fluids and However, they have two additional See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index. systems that need lubrication. Lubricants” in the Index. Transfer Case Front Axle When to Check and Change When to Check and Change Lubricant: Lubricant: Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the determine how often to check the lubricant and when to change it. See lubricant, and when to change it. See ‘‘Scheduled Maintenance Services’’ in “Periodic Maintenance Inspections” and the Index. “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in How to Check Lubricant: If the level the Index. 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. Service & Appearance Care

Engine Coolant How to Check Lubricant: The following explains your cooling What to Use: If the level is below the bottom of the system and how to add coolant when it Use a mixture of one-half clean water filler plug hole, you’ll need to add some is low. If you have a problem with (preferably distilled) and one-half lubricant. engine overheating, see “Engine antifreeze or approved recycled coolant Overheating” in the Index. If the differential is at operating that meets “GM Specification 6038M,” temperature (warm), add enough The proper coolant for your Geo will: which won’t damage aluminum parts. lubricant to raise the level to the bottom Give freezing protection down to Also use GM Engine Coolant of the filler plug hole. -34°F (-37°C). Supplement (sealer) with a complete coolant change. If you use these, you If the differential is cold, add enough Give boiling protection up to 258°F don’t need to add anything else. lubricant to raise the level to 1/2 inch (125°C). (12 mm) below the filler plug hole. Protect against rust and corrosion. What to Use: Help keep the proper engine Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to temperature. determine what kind of lubricant to use. Let the warning lights work as they See “Recommended Fluids and should. Lubricants” in the Index. r If you have to add coolant more than Adding only plain water to four time a year, have your dealer check b your cooling system can be your cooling system. dmgemus. Plaia water, or some other liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mix will. II Your vehicle’s coolant warning If you use the proper coolant, you system is set for the proper coolant don’t have to add extra inhibitors mix, With plain water or the or additivies which claim to wrong mix, your engine could get too hot but you wouldn’t get the Some conditions, such as air trapped in overheat warning. Your engine the cooling system, can affect the could catch fire and you or others coolant level in the radiator. Check the could be burned. Use a 50/50 mix coolant level when the engine is cold of clean water and a proper and follow the steps under ‘‘Adding antifreeve or approved recycled Coolant” for the proper way to add coolant. I coolant. 241 Service & Appearance Care

Adding Coolant To Add Coolant: If you need more Add coolant mix at the recovery tank, To Check Coolant: When your engine coolant, add the proper mix at the but be careful not to spill it. is cold, the coolant level should be coolant recovery tank. LOW, or a little higher. When your engine is warm, the level should be up to FULL, or a little higher. , You can be burned if you Turning the radiator pressure - L spill coolant on hot engine r cap when the engine and parts. Coolant contains ethylene radiator are hot can allow steam glycol, and it will burn if the and scalding liquids to blow out engine parts are hot enough. Don't and burn you badly. With the spill coolant on a hot engine. coolant recovery tank, you will almost never have to add coolant at the radiator. Never turn the radiator pressure cap - even a little - when the engine and radiator are hot. Power Steering Fluid Radiator Pressure Cap Thermostat How to Check Power Steering Fluid: Engine coolant temperature is controlled Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick IVUI IIJt by a thermostat in the engine coolant with a clean rag. Replace the cap and system. The thermostat stops the flow of completely tighten it. Then remove the Your radiator pressure cap is a 13 coolant through the radiator until the cap again and look at the fluid level on - i (90 kPa) pressure-type cap and coolant reaches a preset temperature. the dipstick. must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss and possible engine When you replace your thermostat, an damage from overheating. Be sure AC@thermostat is recommended. the arrows on the cap line up with the overflow tube on the radiato I filler neck. When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an AC* cap is recommended. Service & Appearance Care

Windshield Washer Fluid When the engine compartment is hot, What to Add: To Add: the level should be at the MAX mark. Refer to the Mainten lance Schedule to Open the cap with the washer symbol on When the engine compartment is cool, determine what kind of fluid to use. See it. Add washer fluid until the bottle is the level should be at the MIN mark. “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” full. in the Index.

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. Brake Master Cylinder Don’t mix water with Your brake master cylinder is here. It is So, it isn’t a good idea to “top ofr ’ ready-to-use washer fluid. Water filled with DOT-3 brake fluid. your brake fluid. Adding brake fluid can cause the solution to freeze There are only two reasons why the won’t correct a leak. If you add fluid and damage your washer fluid brake fluid level in your master cylinder when your linings are worn, then you’ll tank and other parts of the might go down. The first is that the have too much fluid when you get new washer system. Also, water brake fluid goes down to an acceptable brake linings. You should add (or doesn’t clean as well as washer level during normal brake lining wear. remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only fluid. When new linings are put in, the fluid when work is done on the brake goes back up. The other reason is that hydraulic system. Fill your I. -;her fl--- tank onl. 314 full when it’s very cold. fluid is leaking out of the brake system. ’his allows for expansion. If it is, you should have your brake system fixed, since a leak means that it is completely full. sooner or later your brakes won’t work well, or won’t work at all.

245 - Service & Appearance Care 1

CAU TlON ’ To Check Brake Fluid: A If you have too much brake You can check the brake fluid without I DOT-5 silicone brake fluid can L fluid, it canspill on the taking off the cap. Just look at the damage your llehicle. Don’t use L,,E;ine. The fluid will burn if the windows on the brake fluid reservoir. it. engine is hot enough. You or The fluid levels should be above MIN. D0n.t so1 : put In tf others could be burned, and your If they aren’t, have your brake system I wrong mnd 01 kd.For vehicle could be damaged. Add checked to see if there is a leak. example, just a few drops brake fluid only when work is After work is done on the the brake mineral-based oil, such as done on the brake hydraulic hydraulic system make sure the levels engine oil, in your brake systt system. are above MIN and below the top of can damage brake system part each window. so badly that they’ll have to b RLefer to the Maintenance Schedule to What to Add: replaced. determine when to check your brake When you do need brake fluid, use Brakefluid I Ige paint, flhid. See ‘‘Periodic Maintenance be careful not to spill I1 Ispections” in the Index. only DOT-3 brake fluid - such as Delco-Supreme II@ (GM Part No. fluid on your vehicle 1052535). Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only. Battery Replacing Brake System Parts genuine GM replacement parts. If you Every new Geo has a Delco Freedom@ The braking system on a modern vehicle don’t, your brakes may no longer work battery. You never have to add water to is complex. Its many parts have to be of properly. For example, if someone puts one of these. When it’s time for a new top quality and work well together if the in brake linings that are wrong for your battery, we recommend a Delco vehicle is to have really good braking. vehicle, the balance between your front Freedom@battery. Get one that has the Vehicles we design and test have and rear brakes can change, for the catalog number shown on the original top-quality GM brake parts in them, as worse. The braking performance you’ve battery’s label. your Geo does when it is new. When come to expect can change in many Vehicle Storage you replace parts of your braking system other ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement brake parts. If you’re not going to drive your vehicle - for example, when your brake linings for 25 days or more, take off the black, wear down and you have to have new negative (-) cable from the battery. ones put in - be sure you get new This will help keep your battery from running down. Service & Appearance Care

hdrm . I-I LUU 1 lUIV‘.-I rn Bulb Replacement Headlights ~ A Batterieshave acid that can See “Replacement Bulbs” in the Index To replace the headlight bulb: burn you and gas that can to check the size and type of bulb you 1. Open the hood. explode. You can be badly hurt if need to use. 2. Press down on the tab and pull you aren’t careful. See “Jump Halogen Bulbs Starting” in the Index for tips on rearward, while holding the headlight working around a battery without wiring harness, to disconnect it from getting hurt. the bulb. L Halogen bulbs have Contact your dealer to learn how to pressurized gas inside and can prepare your vehicle for longer storage uurst if you drop or scratch the periods. bulb. You or others could be injured. Take special care when handling and disposing of halogen bulbs. 3. Turn the lock ring to the left to 4. Puli the lock ring and the headlight Front Parking and Turn Signal Lights release the bulb. bulb straight out. Save the lock ring To replace the parking and turn signal and use with the new bulb. bulb: 5. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. 1 . Open the hood. 2. Turn thebulb socket to the left and I pull it out of light housing. Service & Appearance Care

3. Push the bulb in, turn it to the left Sidemarker Lights 2. Turn the socket to the left and pull it and pull it out. To replace the sidemarker bulb: out of the housing. 4. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. 1. Push the sidemarker housing toward 3. Pull the bulb out of the socket. the back of the vehicle and pull out 4. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. the front edge. The housing should Rear Sidemarker Lights pull away from the vehicle. 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. --i

Rear Combination Lights 2. Pull the combination light out far 3. Turn the socket to the left and pull it To remove the rear combination bulbs: enough to reach the bulb socket. out. 1. Remove the two screws from the 4. Pull the bulb out of the socket. combination lights. 5. Reverse the steps with a new bulb.

251 - Service & Appearance Care

CAUTION Loading Your Vehicle The other label is the Certification label, 11 Two labels on your vehicle show how found on the rear edge of the driver’s Do not load your vehicle any much weight it may properly carry. The door. It tells you the gross weight heavier than the GVWR or Tire-Loading Information label found on capacity of your vehicle, called the the maximum front and rear I the driver’s door lock pillar tells you the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). GAWRs. If you do, parts on you] proper size, speed rating and The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle can break, or it can chang recommended inflation pressures for the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo. the way your vehicle handles. tires on your vehicle. It also gives you Never exceed the GVWR for your These could cause you to lose important information about the number vehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight control. Also, overloading can of people that can be in your vehicle and Rating (GAWR) for either the front or shorten the life of your vehicle. the total weight that you can carry. This rear axle. 1 weight is called the Vehicle Capacity And, if you do have a heavy load, you Weight and includes the weight of all should spread it out. Don’t carry more occupants, cargo, and all than 900 pounds (408 kilograms) in your nonfactory-installed options. rear area. Tires NOTICE I Things you put inside your We don’t make tires. Your new vehicle Your warranty does not cover vehicle can strike and injure comes with high quality tires made by a parts or components that fail people in a sudden stop or turn, or leading tire manufacturer. These tires because of overloading. in a crash. are warranted by the tire manufacturers Put things in the rear area of and their warranties are delivered with every new Geo. If your spare tire is a If you put things inside your vehicle - your vehicle. Try to spread the different brand than your road tires, you like suitcases, tools, packages, or weight evenly. will have a tire warranty folder from anything else - they will go as fast as Never stack heavier things, like * each of these manufacturers. the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or suitcases, inside the vehicle so turn quickly, or if there is a crash, that some of them are above the they’ll keep going. 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.

253 9 9 . Service & Appearance Care

Inflation Tire Pressure Poorly maintained and improperly used tires are dangerous. - The Tire-Loading Information label 9 Overloading your tires can cause overheating a result of too much as which is on the driver’s door lock pillar Afriction. You could have air-out and a serious accident. “Loading an See shows the correct inflation pressures for Your Vehicle” in the Index. your tires, when they’re cold. “Cold” * Underinflated tires pose the same danger as overloaded tires. The means your vehicle has been sitting for resulting accident could cause serious injury. Check all tires frequently to at least three hours or driven no more maintain the recommended pressure. Tire pressure should be checked than a mile. 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 can cause accidents. If your tread is badly worn, or if your tires have been damaged, replace them. Don’t drive over 85 mph (135 kmh) even if it’s legal, unless you have the correct high speed rated tires.

9 254 NO TIC€ Don’t let anyone tell you that I underinflation or overinflation is

When to Check: Check your tires once Tire Inspection and Rotation a month or more. To make your tires last longer, have How to Check: Use a good quality them inspected and rotated at the pocket-type gage to check tire pressure. mileages recommended in your Simply looking at the tires will not tell Maintenance Schedule. See “Scheduled you the pressure, especially if you have Maintenance Services” in the Index. radial tires - which may look properly Use this rotation pattern. inflated even if they’re underinflated.

If your tires have too rnllrh air If your tires have valve caps, be sure to (overinflation), y put them back on. They help prevent Unusual wear leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture. Bad handling

255 - - Service & Appearance Care

If your spare wheel does not match your CAU TION When It’s Time for New Tires Iother wheels, you may want to use this Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on One way to tell when it’s time for new pattern. A the parts to which it is tires is to check the treadwear After the tires have been rotated, adjust fastened, can make the wheel nuts indicators, which will appear when your the front and rear inflation pressure as become loose after a time. The tires have only 2/32 inch (1.6 mm) or shown on the Tire-Loading Information wheel could come off and cause an less of tread remaining. label. Make certain that all wheel nuts accident. When you change a You need a new tire if are properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut wheel, remove any rust or dirt Torque’’ in the Index. from places where the wheel You can see the indicators at three attaches to the vehicle. In an places around the tire. emergency, you can use a cloth or You can see cord or fabric showing paper towel to do this; but be sure through the tire’s rubber. to use a scraper or wire brush The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut later, if you need to, to get all the or snagged deep enough to show cord rust or dirt off. (See “Changing a or fabric. Flat Tire” in the Index.) I - 256 The tire has a bump, bulge or split. that same TPC Spec number. That way, The tire has a puncture, cut, or other your vehicle will continue to have tires Mixing tires could cause you damage that can’t be repaired well that are designed to give proper to lose control while driving. because of the size or location of the endurance, handling, speed rating, -you tires of different sizes I€ mix damage. traction, ride and other things during or types (radial and bias-belted normal service on your vehicle. If your tires), the vehicle may not handle Buying Tires New tires have an all-season tread design, the properly, and you could have a To find out what kind and size of tires TPC number will be followed by a crash. Be sure to use the same size you need, look at the Tire-Loading “MS” (for mud and snow). and type tires on all four wheels. Information label. The tires installed on If you ever replace your tires with those your vehicle when it was new had a Tire not having a TPC Spec number, make Performance Criteria Specification (TPC sure they are the same size, load range, Uniform Tire Quality Grading Spec) number on each tire’s sidewall. speed rating and construction type (bias, The following information relates to the When you get new tires, get ones with bias-belted or radial) as your original system developed by the United States tires. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration which grades tires by treadwear, traction and temperature Service & Appearance Care

performance. (This applies only to Traction - A, B, C and its ability to dissipate heat when vehicles sold in the United States.) The traction grades, from highest to tested under controlled conditions on a Treadwear lowest are: A, B, and C. They represent specified indoor laboratory test wheel. the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement Sustained high temperature can cause the The treadwear grade is a comparative material of the tire to degenerate and rating based on the wear rate of the tire as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of reduce tire life, and excessive when tested under controlled conditions temperature can lead to sudden tire on a specified government test course. asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance. failure. The grade C corresponds to a For example, a tire graded 150 would level of performance which all passenger wear one and a half (1 1/2) times as Warning: The traction grade assigned to car tires must meet under the Federal well on the government course as a tire this tire is based on braking Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. graded 100. The relative performance of (straight-ahead) traction tests and does Grades B and A represent higher levels tires depends upon the actual conditions not include cornering (turning) traction. of performance on the laboratory test of their use, however, and may depart Temperature - A, B, C wheel than the minimum required by significantly from the norm due to law. variations in driving habits, service The temperature grades are A (the practices and differences in road highest), B, and C, representing the Warning: The temperature grade for this characteristics and climate. tire’s resistance to the generation of heat tire is established for a tire that is 258 properly inflated and not overloaded. Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts, Excessive speed, underinflation, or The wheels on your vehicle were and wheel nuts should be replaced. If excessive loading, either separately or in aligned and balanced carefully at the the wheel leaks air out, replace it combination, can cause heat buildup and factory to give you the longest tire life (except some aluminum wheels, which possible tire failure. and best overall performance. can sometimes be repaired). See your Those grades are molded on the Geo dealer if any of these conditions In most cases, you will not need to have exist. sidewalls of passenger car tires. your wheels aligned again. However, if While the tires available as standard or you notice unusual tire wear or your Your dealer will know the kind of wheel optional equipment on General Motors vehicle pulling one way or the other, the you need. vehicles may vary with respect to these alignment may need to be reset. If you If you need to replace any of your grades, all such tires meet General notice your vehicle vibrating when wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel nuts, Motors performance standards and have driving on a smooth road, your wheels replace them only with new GM original been approved for use on General may need to be rebalanced. equipment parts. This way, you will be Motors vehicles. All passenger type Wheel Replacement sure to have the right wheel, wheel (P metric) tires must conform to Federal bolts, and wheel nuts for your Tracker. safety requirements in addition to these Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked grades. or badly rusted. If wheel nuts keep Service & Appearance Care

NOTlCE Used Replacement Wheels The wrong wheel can also cause problems with bearing life, brakc nuts on your vehicle can be cooling, speedometer/odometer I dangerous. It could affect the calibration, headlight aim, bump Putting a used wheel on your braking and handling of your height, vehicle ground cleara vehicle is dangerous. You vehicle, make your tires lose air and tire or tire chain clearance tc Abcan’t know how it’s been used or and make you lose control. You the body and chassis how many miles it’s been driven. could have a collision in which It could fail suddenly and cause an you or others could be injured. accident. If you have to replace a Always use the correct wheel, wheel, use a new GM original wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for equipment wheel. replacement.

= 260 NOTICE Appearance Care

Pleaning products can behazardous. Some are toxic. Others can burst I - ,,,,o 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 I- 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 Turpentine Benzene Acetone ThinnerLacquer Naphtha Paint Thinner PolishNailRemover They can all be hazardous - some more than others - and they can all damage your vehicle, too. Service & Appearance Care

Cleaning the lnside of Your Geo NO TIC€ Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of Use a clean cloth or sponge, and Don't use any of these unless thi dust and loose dirt. Wipe vinyl with a change to a clean area often. A soft manual says you can. In monv clean, damp cloth. brush may be used if stains are uses, thev will damage vnl Your Geo dealer has two GM cleaners stubborn. vehiclc - a solvent-type spot lifter and a Use solvent-type cleaners in a well Laundrv Soan Foam-type powdered cleaner. They will ventilated area only. If you use them, :lean normal spots and stains very well. don't saturate the stained area. Blec-'- Here are some cleaning tips: If a ring forms after spot cleaning, Reauc: gents Always read the instructions on the clean the entire area immediately or it cleaner label. will set. Clean up stains as soon as you can - before they set.

262 Using Foam-Type Cleaner on Fabric Rinse the section with a clean, wet Using Solvent-Type Cleaner on Fabric Vacuum and brush the area to remove sponge. First, see if you have to use solvent-type any loose dirt. Wipe off what’s left with a slightly cleaner at all. Some spots and stains will Always clean a whole trim panel or damp paper towel or cloth. clean off better with just water and mild section. Mask surrounding trim along Then dry it immediately with an air soap. stitch or welt lines. hose, a hair dryer or a heat lamp. If you need to use it, then: Mix Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner Gently scrape excess soil from the following the directions on the trim material with a clean, dull knife container label. or scraper. Use very little cleaner, Use suds only and apply with clean Be careful with a nalr aryer or light pressure and clean cloths sponge. heat lamp. You could scorch thl Don’t saturate the material. Don’t rub it roughly. Wipe with a clean cloth. As soon as you’ve cleaned the section, use a sponge to remove the suds. 263 - - Service & Appearance Care

(preferably cheesecloth). Cleaning Fabric Protection Special Cleaning Problems should start at the outside of the stain, Your Geo has upholstery that has been Greasy or Oily Stains: Like grease, oil, “feathering” toward the center. Keep treated with Scotchgard’” Fabric butter, margarine, shoe polish, coffee changing to a clean section of the Protector, a 3M product. Scotchgard“ with cream, chewing gum, cosmetic cloth. protects fabrics by repelling oil and creams, vegetable oils, wax crayon, tar When you clean a stain from fabric, water, which are the carriers of most and asphalt. immediately dry the area with an air stains. Even with this protection, you Carefully scrape off excess stain. hose, hair dryer, or heat lamp to help still need to clean your upholstery often Then follow the solvent-type prevent a cleaning ring. (See previous to keep it looking new. instructions above. NOTICE .) Further information on cleaning is available on 1-800-433-3296 (in Shoe polish, wax crayons, tar and asphalt will stain if left on a vehicle Minnesota, 1-800-642-6167). 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 Combination Stains: Like candy, ice Cleaning Vinyl or Leather (black), egg, fruit, fruit juice, milk, soft cream, mayonnaise, chili sauce and Just use warm water and a clean cloth. drinks, wine, vomit, urine and blood. unknown stains. Rub with a clean, damp cloth to Carefully scrape off excess stain, then Carefully scrape off excess stain, then remove dirt. You may have to do it sponge the soiled area with cool clean with cool water and allow to more than once. water. dry. Things like tar, asphalt and shoe If a stain remains, follow the If a stain remains, clean it with polish will stain if you don’t get them foam-type instructions above. solvent-type cleaner. off quickly. Use a clean cloth and If an odor lingers after cleaning vomit solvent-type vinyl/leather cleaner. 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. Service & Appearance Care

Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Care of Safety Belts Glass Panel Keep belts clean and dry. Glass should be cleaned often. GM Use only mild soap and water to clean Glass Cleaner (GM Part No. 1050427) the top surfaces of the instrument panel. or a liquid household glass cleaner will Sprays containing silicones or waxes CAUTIVN remove normal tobacco smoke and dust may cause annoying reflections in the Do not bleach or dye safety films. windshield and even make it difficult to belts. If you do, it may Don’t use abrasive cleaners on glass, see through the windshield under certain severely weaken them. In a crash because they may cause scratches. conditions. they might not be able to provide Avoid placing decals on the inside rear adequate protection. Clean safety window, since they may have to be belts only with mild soap and scraped off later. If abrasive cleaners lukewarm water. 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 Your Cleaning the Outside of the Geo they could stain. Dry the finish with a Windshield and Wiper Blades The paint finish on your vehicle soft, clean chamois or a 100% cotton If your windshield is not clear after provides beauty, depth of color, gloss towel to avoid surface scratches and using the windshield washer, or if the retention and durability. water spotting. wiper blade chatters when running, wax Washing Your Vehicle High pressure car washes may cause or other material may be on the blade or water to enter your vehicle. windshield. The best way to preserve your vehicle’s Finish Care Clean the windshield with GM finish is to keep it clean by washing it Windshield Cleaner Bon-Ami Powder@ often with lukewarm or cold water. Occasional waxing or mild polishing of (GM Part No. 1050011). The windshield Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct your Geo may be necessary to remove is clean if beads do not form when you rays of the sun. Don’t use strong soaps residue from the paint finish. You can rinse it with water. or chemical detergents. Use liquid hand, get GM approved cleaning products Clean the blade by wiping vigorously dish or car washing (non-detergent) from your dealer. (See “Appearance with a cloth soaked in full strength soaps. Don’t use cleaning agents that Care and Materials” in the Index.) windshield washer solvent. Then rinse contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning Your Geo has a “basecoat/clearcoat” the blade with water. agents should be flushed promptly and paint finish. The clearcoat gives more Wiper blades should be checked on a not allowed to dry on the surface, or depth and gloss to the colored basecoat. regular basis and replaced when worn. 267 = - Service & Appearance Care

Don’t go through automatic car Never use a dry cloth, hot water, Machine compounding or washes; the canvas top could be strong soap or detergent, solvents or aggressive polishing on a damaged. harsh cleaning agents. Rinse basecoat/clearcoat paint finish IT The plastic windows are pliable and can thoroughly and wipe with a slightly dull tl sh or lea sw’ ’ be scratched if you don’t take these moist soft, clean cloth. marks precautions when you clean them: Don’t put any labels, stickers or tape Wipe off dust with a soft cotton cloth on windows. It’s hard to remove adhesives left on the window when Special Care for Canvas Top moistened with clean, cool or lukewarm water. Don’t use a “dry” such items are removed. If a sticker To protect the canvas top: cloth. Wipe in one direction only, not or label must be removed, remove After you wash the vehicle, make back and forth. any adhesive left on the window while sure the top is completely dry before the adhesive is still soft and sticky. To remove frost, snow or ice, use you open or remove it. Press on a new sticker or piece of lukewarm water. Don’t use a scraper tape and then lift it off again; keep Don’t get any vinyl cleaner on the or any de-icing fluids. vehicle’s painted finish; it could leave doing this until all the adhesive lifts Wash the windows with a soft cloth streaks. off with the sticker or tape. and clean, cool or lukewarm water.

268 Aluminum Wheels Weatherstrips Foreign Material If your Geo has these, don’t use chrome These are places where glass or metal Calcium chloride and other salts, ice polish on them. Use wax after you clean meets rubber. Silicone grease there will melting agents, road oil and tar, tree them. Also, don’t use abrasive cleaners make them last longer, seal better, and sap, bird droppings, chemicals from or cleaning brushes on them - you not squeak. Apply silicone grease with a industrial chimneys, and other foreign could damage the protective coating. clean cloth at least every six months. matter can damage your vehicle’s finish if they remain on painted surfaces. Use Sheet Metal Damage cleaners that are marked safe for painted If your vehicle is damaged and requires surfaces for these stains. If you have aluminum wheels, sheet metal repair or replacement, make don’t use an automatic car wa: sure the body repair shop applies that has hard silicon carbide anti-corrosion material to the parts cleaning brushes. These brushes repaired or replaced to restore corrosion can take off the protective coatinl protection.

269 Service & Appearance Care

Finish Damage Underbody Maintenance Chemical Paint Spotting Any stone chips, fractures or deep Chemicals used for ice and snow Some weather and atmospheric scratches in the finish should be repaired removal and dust control can collect on conditions can create a chemical fallout. right away. Bare metal will corrode the underbody. If these are not removed, Airborne pollutants can fall upon and quickly and may develop into a major accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. repair expense. the underbody parts such as fuel lines, This damage can take two forms: Minor chips and scratches can be frame, floor pan, and exhaust system blotchy, ringlet-shaped discolorations, repaired with touch-up materials even though they have corrosion and small irregular dark spots etched available from your dealer or other protection. into the paint surface. service outlets. Larger areas of finish At least every spring, flush these Although no defect in the paint job damage can be corrected in your materials from the underbody with plain causes this, Geo will repair, at no dealer’s body and paint shop. water. Clean any areas where mud and charge to the owner, the surfaces of new other debris can collect. Dirt packed in vehicles damaged by this fallout closed areas of the frame should be condition within 12 months or 12,000 loosened before being flushed. Your miles (20 OOO km) of purchase, dealer or an underbody vehicle washing whichever comes first. system can do this for you. rn Appearance Careand Maintenance Materials

'Not recommended forpigskin 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 IService Pads rn Add-on Electrical Number Identification Lube1 Equipment This is the legal identifier for your Geo. You’ll find this label inside the glove It appears on a plate in the front corner box on the door. It’s very helpful if you of the instrument panel, on the driver’s ever need to order parts. On this label side, You can see it if you look through is: Don’t add anything electrical to your Geo unless you check with the windshield from outside your Your VIN. vehicle. The VIN also appears on the your dealer first. Some electrica Vehicle Certification and Service Parts Its model designation. equipment can damage you labels and the certificates of title and A list of all production options and vehicle and the damage woulan.1 registration. special equipment. be covered by your warranty. Some of ;+ just keep other Engine Identification Be sure that this label is not removed san from the vehicle. things frc wnrkinp as thev The eighth character in your VIN is the should. engine code for your 1993 GM engine. This code will help you identify your engine, specifications, and replacement parts in this section.

= 9 272 1 I Fuses and Circuit Breakers For access to the main fuses, pull off Another fuse box is under the left side The wiring circuits in your car are cover. A spare fuse is also inside the of the instrument panel. The fuses here protected from short circuits by fuses, fuse box. protect each separate circuit including circuit breakers or a thermal link in the headlights. If you have electrical failure, wiring itself. This greatly reduces the check here first. chance of fires caused by electrical problems. The main fuse box in your engine compartment on the right side. It protects all electrical loads. Service & Appearance Care

b. ., ,./.

s Y

Look at the silver-colored band inside Main Fuse Block the fuse. If the band is broken or 1- Generator to Battery Circuit (60A) melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you 2- Circuits Only Active When Ignition Switch is in ACC, ON or START replace a bad fuse with a new one of the correct size. (50A) 3- Circuits Always Active (40A) If you ever have a problem on the road and don't have a spare fuse, you can 4- Circuits Always Active (30A) borrow one. Just pick some feature of your car that you can get along without - like the radio or cigarette lighter - 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.

...274 [ Instrument Panel Fuse Block 1- Right Headlight (15A) 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 (1SA) 11 - Rear Defogger ( 15A) 12-Heater (25A) 13-Rear Wheel Anti-Lock Main Relay (20A) 14-Electronic Fuel Injection Main Relay (15A) Service & Appearance Care

IReplacement Bulbs Back-up ...... 1156 Dome ...... 9605 1559 Front Parking and Turn Signal ...... 1157 NA Headlight (Halogen) ...... 9004 Heater or Air Conditioning Control ...... 96052599 Indicator and Warning Brake ...... 9433184 Charging System ...... 9433184 Check Engine ...... 9433 184 Engineoil Pressure ...... 9433184 4WD ...... 9433184 Headlight HighBeam ...... 9433184 Safety Belt ...... 9433184 TurnSignal ...... 9433184 Instrument Cluster ...... 9605 156 License Plate ...... 194 Lighter ...... 9433184 Rear Defogger Switch ...... 96061736 Rear Hazard and Turn Signal ...... 1156 Rear Parking andstop ...... 1157 Rear Wiper/Washer Switch ...... 9606 1736 Sidemarker...... 194

9 - 276 Capacities and Specifictu?ons Engine Type ...... L4 Compression Ratio...... 8.9:1 Firing Order ...... l-3-4-2 Fuel Delivery ...... Fuel Injection Piston Displacement ...... 97 CID (1.6L) Valve Arrangement ...... , ...... , ...... In-Head “V” Type AC Belt Tension. . . . .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 ...... 26-60s Engineoil Filter ...... 96062415 Fuel Filter ...... AC TypeGE571 PCVValve ...... 96058079 Radiator Pressure Cap ...... , ...... 13 psi Spark Plug...... R43XLS (0.028”- 0.032” Gap)

277 9 Service & Appearance Care

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 D rain and Refill and Drain ...... 3.0 qt. (2.8 L)** Overhaul ...... 4.9 qt. (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...... 4.5 qt. (4.2 L)* Without Filter Change ...... 4.2 qt. (4.0 L)* FuelTFront Differentialank...... llgal.(42.0L) ...... 1 .1 qt. (1 .O L) Manual Transmission...... 1.6 qt. (1.5 L)** Rear Differential...... 2.3 qt. (2.2 L) Transfer Case ...... 1 .8 qt. (1.7 L) Wheel Nuts W heel Nut Wheel Torque ...... 60 lb. 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 after filling. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. ** Recheck fluid level after filling. See “Automatic Transmission Fluid” or “Manual Transmission Fluid” in the Index.

9 278 Vehicle Dimensions Wheelbase...... 86.6“ (2 200 mm) Tread Front ...... 54.9”(1 395 mm) Rear, ...... 55. I” (1 400 mm) Length ...... 142.5” (3 620mm) Width...... 64.2“ (1 630 mm) Height...... 65” (1 651 mm)

279 Notes Part 7 Maintenance Schedule IMPORTANT: Section KEEP ENGINE OIL Introduction: A Word about Maintenance...... 282 AT THE PROPER Your Vehicle and the Environment...... 282 LEVEL AND CHANGE AS How This Part Is Organized ...... 283 A . Scheduled Maintenance Services...... 285 RECOMMENDED Using Your Maintenance Schedules ...... 285 I Selecting the Right Schedule...... 285 Schedule1 ...... 286 Schedule11 ...... 288 This part covers the maintenance Explanation of Scheduled MaintenanceServices ...... 290 Other Emission Related MaintenanceService ...... 295 required for your Geo. Your vehicle Other Non-Emission Related MaintenanceService ...... 296 needs these services to retain its B . OwnerChecksandServices ...... 298 Each Fuel Fill 298safety. dependability Fill and emission Fuel At Each ...... control performance. AtLeastOnceaMonth ...... 299 At Least Twice a Year ...... 299 At Least Once a Year ...... 300 C . Periodic Maintenance Inspections...... 303 D . Recommended Fluids and Lubricants...... 305 E. MaintenanceRecord ...... 308

u1. ProtectionPlan I L Have you purchased theGM Protection Plan? 7he Plan supplements your newcar warranties. See your GM dealerfor details.

281 9 9 Maintenance Schedule Introduction: A Word about Maintenance

Your Vehicle and the Envitvnment We at General Motors want to help you keep your vehicle in Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps keep your vehicle good working condition. But we don’t know exactly how in good working condition, but it also helps the you’ll drive it. You may drive very short distances only a environment. All recommended maintenance procedures are few times a week. Or you may drive long distances all the important. Improper vehicle maintenance or the removal of time in very hot, dusty weather. You may use your vehicle important components can significantly affect the quality of in making deliveries. Or you may drive it to work, to do the air we breathe. Improper fluid levels or even the wrong errands, or in many other ways. tire inflation can increase the level of emissions from your Because of all the different ways people use their GM vehicle. To help protect our environment, and to help keep vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You may even need more your vehicle in good condition, please maintain your vehicle frequent checks and replacements than you will find in the properly. 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 1 How This Part 1s Organized I The remainder of this part is divided into five sections: If you are skilled enough to do some work on your vehicle, “Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services” shows what you will probably want to get the service information GM to have done, and how often. Some of these services can be publishes. You will find a list of publications and how to get complex, so unless you are technically qualified and have them in this manual. See “Service Publications” in the the necessary equipment, you should let your dealer’s Index. service department or another qualified service center do “Section B: Owner Checks and Services” tells you what these jobs. should be checked whenever you stop for fuel. It also explains what you can easily do to help keep your vehicle in CAUTION I good condition. I- Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can be 6 - dangerous. In trying to do some jobs, youcan be I 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.

283 9 Maintenance Schedule Introduction: A Word about Maintenance (Cont.)

“Section C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections” explains “Section E: Maintenance Record” provides a place for you important inspections that your Geo dealer’s service to record the maintenance performed on your vehicle. department or another qualified service center should Whenever any maintenance is performed, be sure to write it perform. down in this section. This will help you determine when “Section D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” lists your next maintenance should be done. In addition, it is a some products GM recommends to help keep your vehicle good idea to keep your maintenance receipts. They may be properly maintained. These products, or their equivalents, needed to qualify your vehicle for warranty repairs. should be used whether you do the work yourself or have it done.

...284 Maintenance Schedule Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services

Using Your Maintenance Schedules Selecting the RiQht Schedule This section tells you the maintenance services you should First you’ll need to decide which of the two schedules is have done and when you should schedule them. Your Geo right for your vehicle. Here’s how to decide which schedule dealer knows your vehicle best and wants you to be happy to follow: with it. If you go to your dealer for your service needs, Schedule I you’ll know that GM-trained and supported service people will perform the work using genuine GM parts. Is any one of these true for your vehicle? These schedules are for vehicles that: Most trips are less than 4 miles (6 km). carry passengers and cargo within recommended limits. Most trips are less than 10 miles (16 km) and outside You will find these limits on your vehicle’s Tire-Loading temperatures are below freezing. Information Label. See “Loading Your Vehicle’’ in the The engine is at low speed most of the time (as in Index. door-to-door delivery, or in stop-and-go traffic). are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal You operate your vehicle in dusty areas. driving limits. You tow a trailer. use the recommended unleaded fuel. See “Fuel” in the If any one (or more) of these is true for your driving, follow Index. 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 WHAT TO SERVICE WHEN TO PERFORM Follow Schedule I if your vehicle is ITEM See "Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Miles (kilometers) or Months MAINLY driven under one or more of NO. Services "following Schedules t and It. (whichever occursfirst). the following conditions: When most trips are less than 4 miles (6 km). When most trips are less than 10 miles 2 (16 km) and outside temperatures remain below freezing. 4 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. PCV ValveReplacement* I Every 50,000 Miles (83 OOO km). ISchedule 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.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the failure to perform

this maintenance item will not nullify the ~ emission warranty or limit recall liability 14 ECM & AssociatedSensors Insmtion* I Every 100,OOO Miles (166 OOO h). prior to the completion of vehicle useful life. General Motors, however, urges that all recommended maintenance services be 16 performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded in "Section E: PowerSteering System Inspection Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) or 7.5 Months. Maintenance Record. ' ' 18 I ...286 The services shown in this schedule up to 60,OOO miles (100 OOO km) should be performed after 60,OOO miles (100 OOO km) at the same intervals, MILES (0001 3 16 17.5 19 112115118121 b2.5124127130133136137.5139142145148150151 )52.51541571 60

287 . . . Maintenance Schedule Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services (Cont.) I I I WHAT TO SERVICE WHEN TO PERFORM ITEM See"Explanation of ScheduledMaintenance Miles (kilometers) or Months NO. Services"following Schedules I and II. (whichever occursfirst).

Schedule I/ Follow Schedule I1 ONLY if none of the driving conditions specified in Schedule I apply.

BAn Emission Control Service. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the failure to pedorm this maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranh, or limit recall liability I nrior to the cornthetion of vehicle usefullife. I 12 I OxygenSensor Replacement* I Every 80,OOO Miles(133 oO( I-.------I~-~ .I I General Motors, however, urges thaiall recommended maintenuncP recommended ront;rnr ho I

I 16 I Emission Svstem Hoses Insaxtion* I Everv 60.0o0 Miles (100 oO(

18 I PowerSteering system Inspection I Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) or 7.5 Months. I I ...288 The services shown in this schedule up to 100,OOO miles (160 OOO km) should be performed after 100,OOO miles (160 OOO km) at the same intervals. Maintenance Schedule Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services (Cont.)

Dplanatiun of Scheduled Maintenance Services The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in Section D. Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses these. All Below are explanations of the services listed in Schedules I parts should be replaced and all necessary repairs done and 11. before you or anyone else drives the vehicle.

ITEM ITEM NO. SERVICE NO. SERVICE 1 Engine Oil and Filter Change* - Always use SG 3 CoolingSystem Service* - Drain, flushand refill Energy Conserving I1 Oils of proper viscosity. The the system with new or approved recycled coolant SG designation may be shown alone or in conforming to GM Specification 4038M. Keep combination with others, such as SG/CC, SG/CD, coolant at the proper mixture as specified. See or SF, SG, CC, etc. To determine the preferred “Coolant” in the Index. This provides proper freeze viscosity for your vehicle’s engine (e.g., SAE protection, corrosion inhibitor level, and engine 5W-30 or 1OW-30) see “Engine Oil’’ in the Index. operating temperature. 2 Engine Idle Speed Check* - Check the idle speed Inspect hoses and replace if they are cracked, and adjust it to underhood label specifications. 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 ITEM NO. SERVICE NO. SERVICE 4 Transmission(AlI)/Transfer Case (Four-wheel Schedule I1 conditions. Replace the automatic Drive) Service - For the manual transmission and transmission cooler hoses every 45,000 miles transfer case, check the fluid level every time the oil (75 000 km). is changed. See “Manual Transmission Fluid” and 5 RearAxle (All) andFront Axle (Four-wheel “Transfer Case” in the Index. Inspect for damage Drive) Fluid Change - Drain and refill with the and leaks and change the fluid the first time at 7,500 proper lubricant. See “Recommended Fluids and miles (12 500 km) and then every 15,000 miles Lubricants” in the Index. (25 000 km) or 15 months for Schedule I conditions and every 30,000 miles (50 OOO km) or 30 months 6 SparkPlug Replacement* - Replace spark plugs for Schedule I1 conditions. with the proper type. See “Replacement Parts’’ in the Index. 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 100,OOO miles (166 000 km) for *An Emission Control Service. 291 Maintenance Schedule Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services (Cont.)

ITEM ITEM NO. SERVICE NO. SERVICE 7 DistributorCap and SparkPlug Wire 9 ExhaustGas Recirculation (EGR) System Inspection* - Inspect for burns, cracks or other Inspection* - Inspect at 50,000 mile (83 OOO km) damage. Check the boot fit at the distributor and at intervals. the spark plugs. Replace wires as needed. Operation 10 Air Cleaner Filter (PCV Filter, if Equipped) in extreme cold and/or on salted roads may require Replacement* - Inspect at each oil change. more frequent replacement. Replace every 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or more 8 PositiveCrankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve often under dusty conditions. Ask your dealer for Replacement* - Inspect valve for proper function. the proper replacement intervals for your driving Replace the valve every 50,000 miles (83 OOO km) conditions. If your vehicle is equipped with a as well as any worn, plugged or collapsed hoses. crankcase ventilation filter, replace it too.

1 *An Emission Control Service. ITEM ITEM NO. SERVICE NO. SERVICE 11 FuelTank, Cap and Lines Inspection** - 13 CharcoalCanister Replacement* - Replaceat Inspect fuel tank, cap, lines and hoses for damage or 100,OOO mile (166 OOO km) intervals. leaks. Inspect fuel cap gasket for an even filler neck 14 Engine Control Module (ECM) and Associated imprint or any damage at 30,000 miles (50 OOO km). Sensors Inspection* - Inspect at 100,OOO mile Replace parts as needed. Replace the cap and gasket (166 OOO km) intervals. at 60,OOO mile (100 OOO km) intervals. 15 Fuel Injector Inspection* - Inspect at 100,OOO 12 Oxygen Sensor Replacement* - Replace at 80,000 mile (166 OOO km) intervals. miles (133 OOO km).

*An Emission Control Service. *The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the failure to pe~ormthis 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 pe~ormedat the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded in “Section E: Maintenance Record. ” Maintenance Schedule Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services (Cont.)

ITEM ITEM NO. SERVICE NO. SERVICE 16 Emission System Hoses Inspection* - Inspectat 18 Power Steering System Inspection - Check the 60,OOO mile (lo0 OOO km) intervals. power steering gear box, pump and hose connections 17 Catalytic Converter Inspection* - Inspect at for leaks or damage. Check the fluid level on the 100,OOO mile (166 OOO km) intervals. At each oil dipstick. See “Power Steering Fluid” in the Index. change, inspect the entire exhaust system for leaks Check the drive belt for cracks, fraying and wear. and loose fittings, especially if the vehicle is used Check belt tension. There should be 0.24”-0.35” off-road. (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 ITEM NO. SERVICE NO. SERVICE 1 Valve Clearance Adjustment* - Inspect the valve 4 WiringHarness and Connectors Inspection* - At lash every 15,000 miles (25 000 km) and adjust if 60,000 miles (100 OOO km), or 60 month intervals, necessary. inspect the underhood wiring harness for loose 2 Camshaft Timing Belt Adjustment* - Inspect and connections, chafed wires and damage, especially if adjust if necessary at60,000 miles (100 OOO km), and used extensively for off-road driving. every 30,000 miles (50 OOO km) thereafter. 5 Engine Timing Check* - Adjust the timing to 3 Fan (Water Pump) Drive Belt Service* - Inspect underhood label specifications, if necessary, at and adjustif necessary at 30,000miles (50 000 km), or 60,000 mile (100 000 km) intervals. 30 month intervals. Replace the belt at 60,000 miles 6 FuelFilter* - Replace the fuel filter every 30,000 (100 OOO km) and 120,000 miles (200 OOO km). miles (50 OOO km), or sooner if clogged.

*An Emission Control Service.

295 9 Maintenance Schedule

Uther Nun-Emissun Related Maintenance Service ITEM NO. SERVICE 1 Wheel Bearings Inspection - Inspect every 4 Tireand Wheel Inspection and Rotation - For 15 months, or at 15,000 mile (25 OOO km) intervals. proper wear and maximum tire life, rotate your tires Inspect for wear and proper adjustment. Relubricate at 7,500 miles (12 500 km) and then every the bearings if grease is contaminated. 15 ,OOO miles (25 OOO km). See “Tires, Inspection and Rotation” in the Index. Check the tires for 2 Propeller Shafts and U-Joints uneven wear or damage. If you see irregular or Inspection - Inspect for looseness and damage. Do premature wear, check the wheel alignment. Check this every 15 months, or at 15,000 mile (25 000 km) intervals, or more frequently if used off-road or for damaged wheels also. pulling a trailer. Tighten U-Joint flange bolts if While the tires and wheels are removed for rotation, necessary. perform the brake system inspection described in Section C. 3 Clutch (Manual Transmission Only) - At each oil change, inspect for correct free play and positive engagement. See “Clutch Adjustment’’ in the Index. 5 Brakes - Tire rotations are a convenient 7 Steering and Suspension - At eachoil change, opportunity to inspect the braking system. See inspect the steering linkage and suspension for leaks “Brake System Inspection” in Section C. and damage. Repair or replace damaged or worn 6 Locking Front Hubs Inspection (If Equipped) - parts. 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.) Maintenance Schedule Section B: Owner Checks and Services Listed below are owner checks and services which should be Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. performed at the intervals specified to help ensure the Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your vehicle, safety, dependability and emission control performance of make sure they are the proper ones, as shown in Section D. your vehicle.

Af Each Fuel fj//(It is important for you or a service station attendant to perform these underhood checks at eachfuel fill.)

1 CHECK 1 OR SERVICE I WHAT TO DO I Engine Oil Level Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if necessary. See “Engine Oil” in the Index for I further details. I Engine Coolant Level Check the engine coolant level in the coolant recovery tank and add the proper coolant mix if 1 necessary. See “Coolant” in the Index for further details. Windshield Washer Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if Fluid Level necessary. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the Index for further details. Hood Latch Pull the primary hood latch release handle inside the vehicle. The secondary latch should keep Operation 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 “‘HAT TO DO Tires Inflation 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 CHECK WHAT TO DO I OR SERVICE I Fluid Level Check the transfer case, axle differential(s) and automatic or manual transmission fluid levels and Check 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 I indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired at once. I

299 9 = Maintenance Schedule Section B: Owner Checks and Services (Cont.)

At Least Once a Year ? CHECK WHAT TO DO OR SERVICE

Kev.r LockCylinders Lubricate the key lock cylinders withthe lubricant specifiedin Section D. Body Lubrication Lubricate all body door hingesincluding the tailgate. Also lubricate all hingesand 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.) CHECK 4-OR SERVICE WHAT TO DO CAUTION I m Brake-Transaxle Shift A When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. If it does, you or others I Interlock - BTSI (Automatic Transaxle) 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 P (Park), your vehicle’s BTSI needs service.

301 9 Maintenance Schedule Section B: Owner Checks and Services (Cont.) At Least Once a Year (CONT.) CHECK WHAT TO DO OR SERVICE I Steering Column Lock While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the key to LOCK in each shift position. With an automatic transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in P (Park). With a manual transmission, the key will turn to LOCK only if you push the key in farther, while turning it towards LOCK. On all vehicles, the key should come out only in LOCK.

Parking Brake and When you are doing this check, your vehicle could begin to move. You or others Automatic Transmission could be injured and property could be damaged. Make sure there is room in front P (Park) Mechanism VI your vehicle in case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake at once should the Check 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 P (Park) mechanism’s holding ability: Shift to P (Park). Then release all brakes. If your vehicle is four-wheel drive, be sure your transfer case is not in Neutral. Underbody Flushing 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 or other qualified service center do these jobs. Make sure performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring or any necessary repairs are completed at once. fall). You should let your GM dealer’s service department

CHECK I OR SERVICE WHAT TO DO

Steering, Suspension, ~ Inspect front and rear suspension and steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs and Front-Wheel-Drive of wear or lack of lubrication. On vehicles equipped with power steering, inspect power steering, Axle Boot and Seal lines and hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. On vehicles equipped Inspection 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 Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near the exhaust system. Look for broken, Inspection 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. Throttle Linkage Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding, and for damaged or missing parts. Inspection Replace parts as needed. Check accelerator pedal for smooth operation and even pedal effort. Rear Axle (All) and Check the gear lubricant level and add if needed. See “Rear Axle’’ and ‘‘Four-wheel Drive’’ in Front Axle the Index. A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Check the system(s), and repair the system(s) if (Four-wheel Drive) needed. Refer to “Scheduled Maintenance Services,” earlier in this part, to determine when to Service change the lubricant. Maintenance Schedule Section C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections (Cont.)

CHECK WHAT TO DO OR SERVICE Brake System Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks, Inspection 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. Clutch System Service 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 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.

~~ Engine Coolant 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. Hydraulic Brake Delco-Supreme 1l@ Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 1052535) or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid. System Parking Brake Guides Chassis lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI Grade 2, Category LB or GC-LB (GM Part No. 1052497 or equivalent). Power Steering System DEXRONB-I1 Automatic Transmission Fluid (GM Part No. 1051855) or equivalent. Automatic Transmission DEXRON*-I1 Automatic Transmission Fluid (GM Part No. 1051855) or equivalent. - Wheel Bearings Wheel bearing grease meeting requirements of NLGI Grade 2, Category GC or GC-LB (GM Part No. 1051344 or equivalent). - 305 9 - Maintenance Schedule Section D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants (Cont.)

USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT I Manual Transmission I SAE75W-90 GL-4 (GM Part No. 12345871 Castrol@Syntorq GL-4 or equivalent). I Manual Transmission Chassis lubricant meeting requirements of NLGT Grade 2, Category LB or GC-LB (GM Part No. Shift Linkage 1052497 or equivalent). Key Lock Cylinders Lubricate with Multi-Purpose Lubricant (GM Part No. 12345120) or synthetic SAE 5W-30 engine oil or silicone lubricant (GM Part No. 1052276 or 1052277). Automatic Transmission Engine oil. Shift Linkage Clutch Linkage Pivot Lithium base grease. Points Floor ShiftLinkage Engine oil.

~~ ~ ~ ~~~ ChassisLubrication Chassis lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI Grade 2, Category LB or GC-LB(GM Part No. 1052497 or equivalent). Windshield Washer Sol- GM Optikleen@Washer Solvent (GM Part No. 1051515) or equivalent. vent RearAxle (All) SAE 75W-90GL-5 Hypoid Gear Lubricant (GM Part No. 12345977). Front Axle (Four-wheel Drive) USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT Transfer Case SAE 75W-90, GL-4 gear lubricant (GM Part No. 12345871). (Four-wheel Drive) Hood Latch Assembly a. Pivots and Spring a. Engine oil. Anchor b. Release Pawl b. Chassis lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI Grade 2, Category LB or GC-LB (GM Part No. 1052497 or equivalent). Hood, Door, and Engine oil. LiftgateHinges, Rear Folding Seat, Fuel Door Hinge,Rear Compart- ment Lid Hinges Weatherstrips Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No. 12345579) or equivalent. Constant Velocity Chassis lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI Grade 2, Category LB or GC-LB (GM Part No. Universal Joint 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 MAINTENANCEPERFORMED

...308 ODOMETER DATE SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED READING Maintenance Schedule Section E: Maintenance Record (Cont.) I Part 8 Customer Assistance Information

Here you will find out how to Customer Satisfaction Procedure...... 312 contact Chevrolet/Geo if you GM Participation in Better Business Bureau need assistance. This part also MediatiodArbitration Program ...... 3 13 tells you how to obtain service Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government ...... , ...... 3 15 publications and how to report Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government ...... 3 16 Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors ...... 316 any safety defects. Chevrolet/Geo Roadside Assistance Program ...... 317 Service Publications ...... 318

311 Customer Assistance Information

Customer Satisfaction Procedure matter has already been reviewed with 1-809-763-13 15. In all other overseas Your satisfaction and goodwill are the Sales, Service, or Parts Manager, locations, contact GM International important to your dealer and contact the owner of the dealership or Export Sales in Canada by calling Chevrolet/Geo. Normally, any problems the General Manager. 1-416-644-41 12. with the sales transaction or the STEP TWO - If after contacting a For prompt assistance, please have the operation of your vehicle will be member of Dealership Management, it following information available to give resolved by your dealer’s Sales or appears your problem cannot be the Customer Assistance Representative: Service Departments. Sometimes, resolved by the dealership without Your name, address, telephone however, despite the best intentions of further help, contact the Chevrolet/Geo number all concerned, misunderstandings can Customer Assistance Center by calling Vehicle Identification Number (This is occur. If your concern has not been 1-800-222-1020. In Canada, contact GM available from the vehicle registration resolved to your satisfaction, the of Canada Customer Assistance Center or title, or the plate attached to the following steps should be taken: in Oshawa by calling 1-800-263-3777 left top of the instrument panel and STEP ONE - Discuss your problem (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French). visible through the windshield.) with a member of dealership In Mexico, call 254-1 7-86, In Puerto Dealership name and location management. Complaints can often be Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands, call quickly resolved at that level. If the Vehicle delivery date and present mileage GM Participation in Nature of problem dealership’s facilities, equipment and Better Business Bureau In order to give your inquiry prompt personnel. That is why we suggest you Medaon/Arbitrutiotration attention, please call the toll-free follow Step One first if you have a number listed above. However, if you problem. Program * wish to write Chevrolet/Geo, write to: Customer Assistance for the Hearing General Motors reserves the right to Chevrolet/Geo or Speech Impaired change eligibility limitations and/or to Customer Assistance Center To assist owners who have hearing discontinue its participation in this P.O. Box 7047 difficulties, Chevrolet/Geo has installed program. Troy, MI 48007-7047 special TDD (Telecommunication Our experience has shown that the A listing of all Chevrolet/Geo Branch Devices for the Deaf) equipment in its Customer Satisfaction Procedure Offices and offices outside the U.S. Customer Assistance Center. Any described earlier in this part has been which can assist you can also be found hearing or speech impaired customer very successful in achieving customer in the warranty booklet. who has access to a TDD or a satisfaction. However, if you have not conventional teletypewriter (TTY) can been substantially satisfied, When contacting Chevrolet/Geo, please communicate with Chevrolet/Geo by Chevrolet/Geo wants you to be aware of remember that your problem will likely dialing: 1-800-TDD-CHEV (TDD users GM’s voluntary participation in a be resolved in the dealership, using the in Canada can dial 1-800-263-3830.) no-charge mediatiodarbitration program Customer Assistance Information

called BBB AUTO LINE. This program BBB AUTO LINE render a decision in your case, which is administered by the Council of Better Council of Better Business Bureaus you may accept or reject. If you accept Business Bureaus through local Better 4200 Wilson Boulevard a valid arbitrator decision, GM will be Business Bureaus. The program can Suite 800 bound by that decision. The entire resolve individual disputes involving Arlington, VA 22203 dispute settlement process should vehicle repairs and the interpretation of In order to file a claim, you will have to ordinarily take about 40 days from the your New Vehicle Limited Warranty. provide your name and address, the time you file your complaint to the time We prefer that you not resort to BBB vehicle identification number (VIN) of a decision is rendered (or 47 days if you AUTO LINE until after a final decision your vehicle, and a statement of the did not first contact your dealer or is made under the Customer Satisfaction nature of your complaint. BBB staff may Chevrolet/Geo). Procedure. However, you may file a try to help resolve your dispute through We encourage you to use this program claim at any time by contacting your mediation. If mediation is not before or instead of resorting to the local Better Business Bureau (BBB) at successful, or if you do not wish to courts. We believe it offers advantages the following toll-free number: participate in mediation, eligible over courts in most jurisdictions because 1-800-955-5100. For further information customers may present their case to an it is fast, free of charge, and informal about filing a claim, you may also write impartial third-party arbitrator at an (lawyers are not usually present, to: informal hearing. The arbitrator will although you may retain one at your

..I31 4 rn Repo&'ng Safety Defects expense if you choose). Arbitrators Eligibility is limited by vehicle to the United States make decisions based on the principles agelmileage and other factors. For of fairness and equity, and are not further information concerning the Government required to duplicate the functions of program, call BBB at 1-800-955-5100. If you believe that your vehicle has a courts by strictly applying state or You may also contact the Chevrolet/Geo defect which could cause a crash or federal law. If you wish to go to court, Customer Assistance Center by calling could cause injury or death, you should however, we do not require that you 1-800-222-1020. immediately inform the National first file a claim with AUTO Highway Traffic Safety Administration BBB *This program may not be available in LINE** unless state law provides (NHTSA), in addition to notifying otherwise. Whatever your preference all states, depending on state law. General Motors. Canadian owners refer to your may be, remember that if you are warranty booklet. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, unhappy with the results of AUTO BBB **Some states may require that you file it may open an investigation, and if it LINE, you can still go to court because a claim with BBB AUTO LINE finds that a safety defect exists in a an arbitrator's decision is binding on group of vehicles, it may order a recall GM but not on you, unless you accept before resorting to state-operated procedures (including court). and remedy campaign. However, it. NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer. or General Motors. Customer Assistance Information

Reportirzg Safety Defects Reporting Safety Defects To contact NHTSA, you may either call to the Canadian to General Motors the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at Government In addition to notifying NHTSA (or 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in the Transport Canada) in a situation like If you live in Canada, and you believe Washington, D.C. area) or write to: this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us. that your vehicle has a safety defect, Please call us at 1-800-222-1020, or NHTSA you should immediately notify Transport write: U .S . Department of Transportation Canada, in addition to notifying General Washington D.C. 20590 Motors of Canada Limited. You may Chevrolet/Geo You can also obtain other information write to: Customer Assistance Center P.O. Box 7047 about motor vehicle safety from the Transport Canada Troy, Michigan 48007-7047 Hotline. Box 8880 Ottawa, Ontario K1G 352 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 nationwide networ.k of (jealer For prompt assistance when calling, To enhance Chevrolet/Geo’s strong recommended service providers. The please have the following available to commitment to customer satisfaction, following services are available: give to the advisor: Chevrolet/Geo is excited to announce Towing Vehicle Identification Number the establishment of the Chevrolet/Geo Locksmith License plate number Roadside Assistance Center. As the owner of a 1993 Chevrolet/Geo, Tire Repair Vehicle color membership in Roadside Assistance is Glass Replacement Vehicle location free. Rental car or taxi Telephone number where you can be Roadside Assistance is available 24 Additional services as necessary reached hours a day, 365 days a year, by calling Vehicle mileage 1-800-CHEV USA ( 1-800-243-8872). The Roadside Assistance Center uses This toll-free number will provide you companies that will provide you with Description of problem over-the-phone roadside assistance with quality and priority service. When minor mechanical problems. If your roadside services are required, our problem cannot be resolved over the advisors will explain any payment phone, our advisors have access to a obligations that may be incurred for utilizing outside services. Customer Assistance Information

Service Publications Please refer to the Roadside Assistance Information on how to obtain Product Chevrolet/Geo products. Chevrolet/Geo brochure inside your portfolio for full Service Publications and Indexes as monitors product performance in the program details. described below is applicable only in the field. We then prepare bulletins for In Canada please consult your GM fifty U.S. states (and the District of servicing our products better. Now, you dealer regarding availability of Roadside Columbia) and only for cars and light can get these bulletins too. Assistance. trucks with GVWR less than 10,OOO Bulletins cover various subjects. Some pounds (4 536 kg). pertain to the proper use and care of In Canada, information pertaining to your vehicle. Some describe costly Product Service Bulletins and Indexes repairs. Others describe inexpensive can be obtained by writing to: repairs which, if done on time with the General Motors of Canada Limited latest parts, may avoid future costly Service Publications Department repairs. Some bulletins tell a technician 1908 Colonel Sam Dr. how to repair a new or unexpected Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 condition. Others describe a quicker way to fix your vehicle. They can help a Chevrolet/Geo regularly sends its technician service your vehicle better. dealers useful service bulletins about

= 318 Most bulletins apply to conditions What You’ll Find in the Index: How You Can Get an Index: affecting a small number of cars or A list of all PSP’s published by Indexes are published periodically. Most trucks. Your Chevrolet/Geo dealer or a Chevrolet/Geo in a model year (1990 of the PSP’s which could potentially qualified technician may have to or later). PSP’s covering all models apply to the most recent Chevrolet/Geo determine if a specific bulletin applies to of Chevrolet/Geo cars or light trucks models will be listed in the most recent your vehicle. (less than 10,000 pounds (4 536 kg) publication for that model year. This Individual PSP’s GVWR) are listed in the same index. means you may want to wait until the If you don’t want to buy all the PSP’s Ordering information so you can buy end of the model year before ordering issued by Chevrolet/Geo for all car or the specific PSP’s you may want. an index, if you are interested in buying truck models in the model year, you can PSP’s pertaining to a current model year Price information for the PSP’s you car or truck. buy individual PSP’s, such as those may want to buy. 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: Customer Assistance Information

Some PSP’s pertaining to a particular Toll-Free Telephone Number A VERY IMPORTANT REMINDER: model year vehicle may be published in If you want an additional ordering form These PSP’s are meant for technicians. later years, and these would be listed in for an index or a subscription, just call They are not meant for the the later year’s index. When you order toll-free and we’ll be happy to send you ‘ ‘do-it-yourselfer.” Technicians have the an index for a model year that is not one. Automated recording equipment equipment, tools, safety instructions, over yet, we’ll send you the most will take your name and mailing and know-how to do a job quickly and recently published issue. Check the address, The number to call is safely. ordering form for indexes for earlier 1-800-551-4123. ChevroletGeo Service Publications model years. You can get these by using the order Cut out the ordering form, fill it out, form. 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 1990-1993 model years.

...320 Customer Assistance Information

1993 CHEVROLET/GEO SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION The following publications covering theoperation and servicing of your vehiclecan be purchased by filling out the ServicePublications Order Form in this book and mailing it with your check, money order or credit card information to Helm. Incormrated(address listed below). CURRENT PUBLICATIONSFOR 1993 GEO TRACKER PRODUCT SERVICE PUBLICATIONS SERVICE MANUALS Product Service Publications (PSP’s), arebulletins, lettersand articles Service Manuals have the diagnosis, repair and overhaul information published for trained dealer service personnel. See Service Publica- on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes, electrical, steer- tions listed previously in this section. ing, body, etc. A cumulative index is published quarterly during the current model Model rorm Number Price year. Theindexes list all PSP’spublished by Chevrolet in the model year. 1993 Geo Tracker ...... ST-377-93 $43.00 PSP Index and Summaries ‘Please specify special body or engine types on order form. Write Y ear Form PriceYear Number information in the Form Number column. For example: Turbo, 1992 PSPI-92 ...... Free Convertible. 1991 PSPI-91...... Free OWNER’S INFORMATION 1990 PSPI-90 ...... Free Owner publications are written directly for ownersand intended to provide basic operational information about the vehicle. The Owner’s NOTE: Form Numbersfor individual Product Service Publicationsmay Manual includes the Maintenance Schedule for all models. be found in the PSP Index. Prices are $4.00 forthe first PSP and $2.00 for each additional PSP on the same order. 1993 Geo TrackerOwner’s Manual In Portfolio:Includes Porffolio, Owner’sManual and Warranty Booklet. PSP Bound Bulletin Book (Complete Year Bulletins) De scription Form Number PriceNumberYear FormDescription 1993 Geo Tracker In-Portfolio ...... lo213040 $15.00 1991 All PSP’S ...... 40.00 PSP-91-4 Without Portfolio: Includes Owner’s Manual. 1990 All PSP’S ...... PSP-90-4 40.00 1993 Geo Tracker Without Portfolio .....,10213056 $11.00 For subscription information callHelm, Incorporated. I CURRENT & PASTMODEL ORDER FORMS Address all inquiries to: HELM, INCORPORATED Service Publications are available for current and past model PO.Box 07130 ChevroletlGeo vehicles. To request an order form,please specify year Detroit, MI 48207 and model name of vehicle. Credit Card Orders ONLY 1-800-782-4356 For information and inquiries call: (313) 883-1430

321 = . Notes

322

CHEVROLET/GEO SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDER FORM NOTE: Please complete form below (Print or Type) and MAIL TO:

Post Office Box 07130, Detroit, Michigan 48207 ORDER TOLL FREE *Minimum Credit Card Order $10.00 -- For credit Card "Older Orders Only) (NOTE: If further information is needed, write Helm or call Dl>] 883-1330. - 1-800-782-4356 (Monday-Friday 8:30 A.M.-~:ooP.M. EST) ORDER INFORMATION NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH THE TOLL FREE NUMBER.

PUBLICATION FORM NUMBER" ITEM DESCRIPTION VEHICLE MODEL NAME QTY.

T 0 . Index Add-on Electrical Equipment ...... 272 Babies. Smaller Children and Bulbs. Halogen...... 248 Adjustment. Brake ...... 13 1 (Safety Belts)...... 30 Bulbs. Replacement ...... 276 Adjustment. Clutch ...... 238 Backing Up (Witha Trailer) ...... 183 Air Cleaner ...... 233 Balance. Tire ...... 259 Canvas TOP Air Conditioner Controls ...... 104 Battery ...... 247 Preparing for Storage ...... 96 Air Filter Replacement ...... 234 Before Leaving on a Long Trip .....167 Removing andInstalling Your .....91 Alignment. Wheel ...... 259 Bi-Level Heating ...... 103 Special Care for ...... 268 Aluminum WheelCleaning ...... 269 Bin. Coinholder and ...... 76 Capacities and Specifications ...... 277 Antenna ...... 116 Bins. Instrument Panel ...... 75 Carbon Monoxide (Engine Exhaust) . .64 Anti-lock Brakes ...... 129 Blizzard. If You’re Caught in a ..... 175 Care of Canvas Top ...... 268 Anti-lock. To Use ...... 130 Brakes Cassette Tape Player. Care of Your . .115 Appearance Care ...... 26 1 Adjustment ...... -13 1 Cassette Tape. To Play a ...... 111 Appearance Care and Maintenance Anti-lock ...... 129 Certification Label ...... 252 Materials ...... 27 1 Master Cylinder ...... 245 Chains. Safety (Trailer) ...... 181 Appearance Care. Service and ...... 22 1 Parking ...... 60 Chains. Tire ...... 261 Ashtray and Lighter ...... 77 PedalTravel ...... 131 Changing a Flat Tire ...... 208 Ashtray. Front ...... 77 Rear Drum ...... 130 Charging System Light...... 85 Ashtrays, Other ...... 77 System Parts. Replacing ...... 247 Check Engine Light ...... 85 Assist Grips. Passenger ...... 76 System Warning Light ...... 84 Checking Things under the Hood ....227 Audio Systems ...... 106 Trailer ...... 181 Checking Your Restraint Systems ....39 AM/FM Stereo ...... 108 Wear Indicators. Disc ...... 130 Chemical PaintSpotting ...... 270 AM/FM Stereo with Braking ...... 127 Chevrolet/Geo Roadside Cassette Tape Player ...... 110 Braking in Emergencies ...... 132 Assistance ...... 319 Automatic Transmission...... 5 1 “Break-In. .. New Vehicle ...... 48 Chevrolet/Geo Service Publications Fluid ...... 234 Brightness Control ...... 7 1 Ordering Information ...... 318 TorqueLock ...... 173 Bulb Replacement ...... 248 Child Restraints ...... 31 Axle. Front (Four-Wheel-Drive) ....239 Front Parking and Turn Securing in the Rear Seat ...... 34 Axle, Rear ...... 238 Signal Light ...... 249 Securing in the Right Front Seat ....36 Headlights ...... 248 Top Strap. Right Front Rear Combination Light ...... 25 1 Passenger Position Only ...... 33 Sidemarker Light ...... 250 325 . Index Children (Safety Belts) ...... 30 Combination Light Bulb Daytime Running Lights...... 70 Children. Larger (Safety Belts) ...... 37 Replacement. Rear ...... 25 1 Defensive Driving ...... 122 Cigarette Lighter ...... 77 Comfort Controls and Audio Defogger. Rear Window ...... 105 Circuit Breakers. Fuses and ...... 273 Systems ...... 101 Defogging andDefrosting City Driving ...... 164 Control of a Vehicle ...... 126 Windows ...... 104 Cleaner. Air ...... 233 Control. Loss of ...... 138 Dehumidifying (Air Conditioning) . . 105 Cleaning Controls Dimensions. Vehicle ...... 279 Aluminum Wheels ...... 269 Air Conditioner ...... 104 Disc Brake WearIndicators ...... 130 Canvas Top ...... 268 Brightness ...... 7 1 Dome Light...... 71 Fabric. Using Foam-Type Comfort ...... 102 Door Cleaner on ...... 263 Features and ...... 43 Locks ...... 45 Fabric. Using Solvent-Type Heater ...... 102 Locks. Tailgate ...... 46 Cleaner on ...... 263 Seats and Seat ...... 12 Storage Compartments ...... 75 Geo. the Iqsideof Your ...... 262 Convertible Top ...... 87 Downhill. Driving ...... 150 Geo. the Outside of Your ...... 267 Convex Outside Mirror ...... 74 Downhill. Parking ...... 172 Glass ...... 266 Coolant Drive. Four-wheel ...... 57. 239 Instrument Panel. the Top of the . .266 Adding ...... 242 Driving Special Problems...... 264 Engine ...... 240 Across an Incline ...... 152 Underbody ...... 270 Overheating...... 200 After Off-Road ...... 157 Vinyl or Leather ...... 265 Radiator, How to Add And the Road. Your ...... 117 Windshield andWiper Blades .....267 Coolant to the ...... 206 AtNight ...... 157 Clock. Setting the Recovery Tank, How to Add City ...... 164 AM/FM Stereo ...... 107 Coolant to ...... 204 Defensive ...... 122 AM/FM Stereo with Temperature Gage. Engine ...... 85 Downhill ...... 150 Cassette Tape Player ...... 108 Cooling (Air Conditioning) ...... 104 Drunken ...... 123 Clusters. Instrument Panel and ...... 80 Curves, Driving on ...... 132 Freeway ...... 165 Clutch Adjustment ...... 238 Customer Assistance for the Guidelines. Utility Vehicle ...... 140 Coinholder and Bin...... 76 Hearing or Speech Impaired...... 3 13 In Fog. Mist. and Haze...... 162 Color of Road Signs ...... 1 18 Customer Assistance Information ...3 11 In Fog. Tips on ...... 163 Customer Satisfaction Procedure ....3 12 ...326 In Mud. Sand. Snow. or Ice ...... 155 Environment. Your Vehicle and the .282 Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicle. In the Rain...... 160 Exhaust. Engine ...... 64 Off-Road Driving with Your Geo . . 140 In Water ...... 156 Extender. Safety Belt ...... 39 Freeway Long Distance ...... 167 Driving ...... 165 On Curves ...... 132 Fabric Driving on the ...... 165 On Grades (With a Trailer)...... 184 Protection ...... 264 Entering the...... 165 On Off-Road Hills...... 145 Using Foam-TypeCleaner on .....263 Leaving the ...... 165 On Snow or Ice ...... 174 Using Solvent-Type Cleaner on ...263 Free-Wheeling Hubs ...... 58 On the Freeway...... 165 Features and Controls ...... 43 Automatic ...... 59 Suggestions. A Few More Night . .159 Filling Your Tank (Fuel) ...... 226 Manual ...... 59 Through Deep StandingWater .....50 Filter Replacement. Air ...... 234 Fuel ...... 223 Uphill ...... 147 Five-Speed Manual Transmission ....54 FuelGage ...... 83 Winter ...... 173 Flashers. Hazard Warning ...... 190 Fuel Tank Filling ...... 226 With a Trailer ...... 182 Flat Tire. Changing a ...... 208 Fuels in Foreign Countries ...... 225 Drunken Driving ...... 123 Flat. If a TireGoes ...... 208 Fuse Block. Instrument Panel ...... 275 Flow-Through Ventilation System... 106 Fuse Block. Main ...... 274 Easy Entry Seats ...... 14 Fluid Fuses andCircuit Breakers ...... 273 Electrical Equipment. Add-on ...... 272 Automatic Transmission ...... 234 Emergencies. Braking in ...... 132 Manual Transmission ...... 237 Gage. Engine CoolantTemperature . .85 Emergencies. Steering in ...... -134 Power Steering ...... 243 Gage. Fuel ...... 83 Engine Recommended ...... 27 1. 305 Gages andIndicators. Warning Coolant ...... 240 Windshield Washer...... 244 Lights ...... 82 Coolant Temperature Gage ...... 85 Fog. Mist and Haze. Driving in .....162 Gasolines for Cleaner Air ...... 224 Exhaust ...... 64 Fog. Tips on Driving in ...... 163 Glass Cleaning ...... 266 Identification ...... 272 Folding Rear Seats ...... 15 GloveBox ...... 75 Oil ...... 229 Following Distance (With GM Participation in Better Oil Pressure Light ...... 86 a Trailer)...... 183 Business Bureau Mediation/ Overheating ...... 200 Foreign Countries. Fuels in ...... 225 Arbitration Program ...... 315 Specifications ...... 277 Foreign Material Paint Damage..... 269 Grips. Passenger Assist ...... 76 Starting Your ...... 49 Four-wheel Drive ...... 57. 239 Guidelines. Utility VehicleDriving . . 140

327 9 Halogen Bulbs ...... 248 Hubs. Free-Wheeling...... 58 Lamp.Malfunction Indicator . . ...85 Halogen Headlight Bulb Automatic ...... 59 Lane Change Indicator.Turn Replacement ...... 248 Manual ...... 59 Signal and ...... 68 Hazard Warning Flashers...... 190 Hydroplaning ...... 16.1 Lap-Shoulder Belt (Safety Belt)...... 24 Haze. Driving in Fog. Mist and..... 162 Hypnosis. Highway ...... 168 Leather Cleaning ...... 265 Head Restraints...... 14 Leaving the Freeway ...... 165 Headlights Ice. Driving on Snow or ...... 174 Leaving Your Vehicle with the Halogen Bulb Replacement...... 248 Identification Engine Running...... 62 High/Low Beam ...... 70 Engine ...... 272 Levers Lever. Turn Signal/Lights Label. Service Parts ...... 272 Controls (Comfort Control ControVHeadlight Beam...... 67 Number. Vehicle...... 272 System) ...... 102 Lights On Reminder...... 69 Ignition Switch ...... 48 Turn SignaULights Heater Controls ...... 102 Incline. Driving across an ...... 152 ControUHeadlight Beam ...... 67 Heating ...... 103 Incline. Stalling on an...... 154 Windshield Wiper/Washer...... 72 Heating. Bi-Level ...... 103 Indicators. Warning Lights. Lighter. Cigarette ...... 77 High Beams...... 159 Gages and ...... 82 Lights High/Low Beam. Headlight...... 70 Inflation - Tire Pressure ...... 254 Brake System Warning...... 84 Highway Hypnosis...... 168 Inspections. Periodic Maintenance . .303 Charging System...... 85 Hill and Mountain Roads...... 169 Instrument Panel Check Engine ...... 85 Hill. Approaching a ...... 146 And Clusters ...... 80 Dome ...... 71 Hills. Parkingon ...... 171 Bins ...... 75 Engine Oil Pressure ...... 85 Hills. Driving on Off-Road ...... 145 Cleaning theTop of the ...... 266 Interior ...... 71 Hitches (Trailer) ...... 180 Fuse Block...... 275 Malfunction Indicator...... 85 Hood Release ...... 227 Interior Lights...... 7 1 Oil Pressure...... 86 Hook-Ups. Front Towing...... 198 On Reminder ...... 69 Hook-Ups. Rear Towing ...... 199 Jump Starting ...... 19 1 Operation of ...... 69 Hooks. Recovery ...... 2 18 Keys ...... 44 Safety Belt Reminder ...... 23 Horn ...... 67 Traffic ...... 120 Label. Certification ...... 252 Warning. Gages and Indicators ....82 Label. Tire-Loading Information.... 252

9 328 Loading Your Vehicle ...... 252 Manual. How to UseThis ...... 5 Off-Road Recovery ...... 135 Loading Your Vehicle for Markings. Pavement...... 12 1 Oil. Engine ...... 229 Off-Road Driving ...... 14 1 Master Cylinder. Brake ...... 245 Additives ...... 232 Locks. Door ...... 45 Metal Damage. Sheet...... 269 How to Check ...... 229 Loss of Control ...... 138 Mirrors ...... 74 Pressure Light ...... 86 Lubricants andFluids ...... 27 1. 305 Convex Outside...... 74 What Kind to Use ...... 231 Inside Day/Night Rearview ...... 74 What to Do with Used...... 233 Maintenance Inside Rearview ...... 74 When to Add...... 230 Materials. Appearance Care and . .27 1 Outside Manual Adjust...... 74 When to Change ...... 232 Periodic Inspections ...... 303 Mud. Sand. Snow. or Ice. On the Road ...... 168 Record ...... 308 Driving in ...... 155 Opening and Closing Other Non-Emission Related Your Rear Window...... 90 Services ...... 296 New Vehicle .‘Break-In’ ...... 48 Opening and Closing Your Sunroof...89 Scheduled Services ...... 285 Night Operation of Lights ...... 69 Underbody ...... 270 Driving at ...... 157 Overheating, Engine...... 200 Maintenance Schedule ...... 28 1 Driving Suggestions. A Few Owner Checks and Services...... 302 Schedule I ...... 286 More ...... 159 Schedule II.’...... 288 Vision ...... 158 Paint Selecting the Right ...... 285 Chemical Spotting...... 270 Services. Scheduled ...... 285 odometer. Speedometer and ...... 80 Finish Care ...... 267 Using Your ...... 285 Odometer. Trip ...... 8 1 Finish Damage ...... 270 When Trailer Towing ...... 185 Officer. Traffic ...... 122 Park. Shiftinginto ...... 61 Making Turns (With a Trailer) ...... 183 Off-Road Driving Park, Shifting outof ...... 63 Malfunction Indicator Lamp ...... 85 After ...... 157 Parked, Running Your Engine Manual Transmission Before You Go ...... 141 While You’re...... 65 Five-Speed ...... 54 Getting Familiar with ...... 143 . Fluid ...... 237 Loading Your Vehiclefor ...... 141 Shift Speeds...... 56 On Hills ...... 145 With Your Geo Four-Wheel- Drive Vehicle ...... 140

329 9 9 9 Parking Power Steering Fluid...... 243 Recommended Fluids and Brake ...... 60 Pregnancy. Safety Belt Useduring ...27 Lubricants ...... 27 1. 305 Downhill ...... 172 Pressure. Tire ...... 254 Recovery Hooks. Using the...... 218 Manual Transmission...... 63 Problems on the Road...... 189 Recovery. Off-Road ...... 135 On a Hill witha Trailer. Product Service Publications Recreational Towing ...... 186 When You Are Readyto (PSP’s) ...... 32 1 Towing Your Geofrom the Front . .187 Leave After ...... 185 Publications. Service ...... 320 Towing Your Geo fromthe Rear . .186 On Hills...... 171 Release. Hood...... 227 On Hills (Witha Trailer) ...... 184 Radiator Pressure Cap ...... 243 Remote Areas. Travelingto ...... 142 Over Things ThatBum ...... 64 Radiator. How to Add Coolant...... 206 Replacement Bulbs...... 276 Uphill ...... 172 Radio Reception. Understanding.... 115 Replacement Parts ...... 277 Your Vehicle...... 63 Radio. To Play the Replacing Safety Belts aftera Crash . .39 Parking and Turn Signal Light AM/FM Stereo ...... 108 Reporting Safety Defects Bulb Replacement. Front ...... 249 AM/FM Stereo with To General Motors ...... 318 Parts, Replacement ...... 277 Cassette Tape Player...... 1 10 To the Canadian Government..... 318 Passenger Rain. Driving in the ...... 160 To the United States Government. . 3 17 Assist Grips...... 76 Rainy Weather Tips. Some Other ...161 Restraint Systems. CheckingYour ...39 Positions (Safety Belt)...... 28 RearAxle ...... 238 Restraint. Where to Put the Child ....32 Rear Seat (Safety Belt)...... 28 Rear Drum Brakes ...... 13 1 Restraints. Child ...... 34 Right Front Position (Safety Belt) . .28 Rear Vent Windows...... 66 Restraints. Head ...... 14 Passing ...... 136 Rear Window Road Signs ...... 118 Passing (With a Trailer) ...... 183 Defogger ...... 105 Color of...... 118 Passing Signal...... 70 Opening and Closing Your...... 90 Shapeof ...... 119 Pavement Markings ...... 12 1 Removing and Installing Your..... 91 Symbols on ...... 120 Pedal Travel. Brake...... 13 1 Wiper/Washer ...... 73 Road. On the ...... 168 Periodic Maintenance Inspections ...303 Rearview Mirror. Inside ...... 74 Road. Problems Onthe ...... 189 Pockets. Front Seat Side...... 75 Rearview Mirror. Inside Day/Night . .74 Roads. Hill and Mountain ...... 169 Power Steering ...... 132 Reception. Understanding Radio.... 1 15 Roadside Assistance Program. Reclining Front Seatback...... 13 Chevrolet/Geo ...... - - ..319

9 9 330 Rocking Your Vehicleto Get It Out . .218 Safety Chains (Trailer) ...... 18 1 Service ...... 222 Rotation. Tire Inspection and...... 255 Safety Defects Appearance Care ...... 221 Running Your Engine While Reporting to General Motors .....3 18 Owner Checks and ...... 302 You’re Parked...... 65 Reporting to the Canadian Parts Identification Label...... 272 Government ...... 3 18 Publications ...... 320 Safety Belts Reporting to the United Publications Ordering Adults ...... 23 States Government ...... 3 17 Information. Chevrolet/Geo ....318 Care of ...... 266 Safety Warnings and Symbols...... 6 Station Information...... Last Page Checking Your Restraint System... 39 Sand, Mud. Ice or Snow. If Work. Doing Your Own...... 222 Child Restraints...... -3 1 You’re Stuck in...... 2 17 Shape of Road Signs...... 119 Children ...... 30 Scanning the Terrain ...... 144 Sheet Metal Damage...... 269 Driver Position ...... 24 Scheduled MaintenanceService .....285 Shift Speeds...... 56 Extender ...... 39 Seatback. Reclining Front ...... 13 Shifting intoP (Park) ...... 61 How to Wear, Properly ...... 23 Seats Shifting outof P (Park) ...... 63 Lap-Shoulder Belt...... 24 And Safety Belts ...... 11 Sidemarker Light Bulb Larger Children ...... 37 And Seat Controls ...... 12 Replacement ...... 250 Passenger Positions...... 28 Easy Entry...... 14 Signal. Passing ...... 70 Questions People Ask...... 22 Folding Rear ...... 15 Signals. Your Own...... 121 Rear Seat Passengers...... 28 Front ...... 12 Signs, Road ...... 118 Reminder Light...... 23 Reclining Front ...... 13 Skidding ...... 138 Reminder. Lights On ...... 69 Side Pockets,Front ...... 75 Snow or Ice. Driving on...... 174 Replacing after a Crash ...... 39 Unfolding the Rear...... 17 Snow. If You’re Stuck inDeep .....177 Right Front Passenger Securing a Child Restraint Speakers. Adjusting the Position ...... 28 Attaching the Top Strap ...... 33 AM/FM Stereo ...... 109 Seatsand ...... 11 In the Rear Seat...... 34 AM/FM Stereo with Smaller Children and Babies...... 30 In the Right Front Seat ...... 36 Cassette TapePlayer ...... 111 They’re for Everyone ...... 15 Specifications, Capacities and...... 277 Use during Pregnancy...... 27 Speedometer and Odometer...... 80 Why They Work ...... 19 Speeds, Shift ...... 56

331 . 9 Index

Stains ...... 264 Theft Deterrent Feature Torque Lock ...... 173 Stalling on an Incline ...... 154 (AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Towing aTrailer ...... 177 Starting Your Engine...... 49 Tape Player) ...... 1 13 Towing Hook.Ups. Front ...... -198 Starting. Jump...... 191 Thermostat ...... 243 Towing Hook.Ups. Rear ...... 199 Steam (Engine Overheating) ...... -200 Tilt Wheel ...... -67 Towing Your Vehicle...... 196 Steering ...... 132 Tires ...... 253 Towing. Recreational...... 186 Fluid, Power ...... 243 Balance ...... 259 From the Front ...... 187 In Emergencies ...... 134 Chains ...... 26 1 From the Rear ...... 186 Power ...... 132 Changing a Flat...... 208 Traffic Lights ...... 120 Tips ...... 132 Cleaning White Sidewall ...... 269 Traffic Officer ...... 122 Storage and Compartments ...... 75 Inflation Pressure ...... 254 Trailer Storage. Vehicle...... 247 Inspection ...... 255 Backing Up with ...... a 183 Stuck in Deep Snow, If You’re .....177 Loading Information Label...... 252 Brakes ...... 181 Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice or New ...... 256 Driving on Grades ...... 184 Snow, If You’re ...... 2 17 Rotation ...... 255 Driving with a...... 182 Sun Visors...... 76 Temperature Grades ...... 258 Following Distance with a...... 183 Sunroof. Opening and Total Weight on YourVehicle’s. ..180 Hitches ...... 180 Closing Your...... 89 Traction Grades ...... 258 If You Do Decide to Pulla ...... 178 Switch, Ignition ...... 48 Treadwear ...... 258 Making Turns with a...... 183 Symbols on Road Signs ...... 120 Uniform QualityGrading ...... 257 Parking on Hills with a ...... 184 Symbols. Safety Warningsand ...... 6 Tone, Setting the Passing with a...... 183 Symbols. Vehicle ...... 18 AM/FM Stereo ...... 109 Safety Chains ...... 181 AM/FM Stereo with Tongue, Weightof the ...... 180 Tachometer ...... 82 Cassette Tape Player ...... 1 1 1 Towing a ...... 177 Tailgate (Door Locks) ...... 46 Top Strap (Child Restraint) ...... 33 Towing. Maintenance When .....185 Tank, Filling Your (Fuel)...... 223 Top, Convertible ...... 87 Turn Signals When Towing .....a 183 Temperature Gage, Engine Top, Preparing Your Canvas for Weight of the...... 179 Coolant ...... 85 Storage ...... 96 When You Are Readyto Leave Terrain. Scanning the ...... 144 Top, Removing and Installing after Parking on a Hill...... 185 Theft ...... 47 Your Canvas ...... 91 Transfer Case ...... 59 Vehicle Warnings. Safety ...... 6 Transfer Case (Four-wheel Drive) . .239 Control of a ...... 126 Warnings. Vehicle Damage ...... 7 Transmission Fluid. Automatic .....234 Damage Warnings ...... 7 Washer Fluid. Windshield...... 244 Transmission Fluid. Manual ...... 237 Dimensions ...... 279 Washers (Windshield) ...... 72 Transmission. Automatic ...... 5 1 Driving Guidelines. Utility...... 140 Washing Your Vehicle...... 267 Transmission. Five-Speed Manual ...54 Environment and Your...... 282 Water. Driving in ...... 156 Transmission. Manual ...... 54 Identification Number...... 272 Weatherstrip Service ...... 269 Traveling to Remote Areas ...... 142 Leaving withthe Engine Weight Trip Odometer ...... 8 1 Running ...... 62 Total on Your Vehicle’sTires ....180 Trip. Before Leavingon a Long..... 167 Loading Your ...... 252 Trailer ...... 179 Turn Signal and Lane Change Parking Your...... 63 Trailer Tongue ...... 180 Indicator ...... 68 Storage ...... 247 Welcome to Geo ...... 4 Turn Signal Light Bulb Symbols ...... 18 Wheel Alignment ...... 259 Replacement. Front Parking and . .249 Towing Your...... 196 Wheel NutTorque ...... 278 Turn SignaULights Control/ Towing, Recreational ...... 186 Wheels Headlight Beam Lever. The ...... 67 Vent Windows, Rear ...... 66 Cleaning Aluminum ...... 269 Turn Signals When Towing a Ventilation ...... 103 Replacement ...... 259 Trailer ...... 183 Ventilation System, Flow-Through . . 106 Used Replacement...... 260 Ventilation Tips ...... 106 Windows ...... 66 Underbody Maintenance ...... 270 Vinyl Cleaning ...... 265 Defogging and Defrosting ...... 104 Unfolding the Rear Seats ...... 17 Vision, Night ...... 158 Opening and Closing Your Rear ....90 Uphill. Driving ...... 147 Visors, Sun ...... 76 Rear Vent ...... 66 Uphill. Parking ...... 172 Rear WiperIWasher ...... 73 Used Oil. Whatto Do with...... 233 warnine Devices. Other ...... 190 Removing and Installing Your Y Utility VehicleDriving Warning Flashers. Hazard ...... 190 Rear ...... 91 Guidelines ...... 140 Warning Lights. Gages and Indicators ...... 82

333 . . Index

Windshield Cleaning ...... 267 Washer Fluid...... 244 Wiper/Washer Lever ...... 72 Winter Driving ...... 173 Wiper/Washer. Rear Window ...... 73 Wiper/Washer Lever. Windshield ....72

I..334 Notes

335 Service Station Information

Cooling System Reservoir Check and add coolantonly 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 shouldbe at the LOW mark or a little higher. See Page 240 I Engine Oil Dipstick See Page 229

Cold Tire Pressure See Tire-Loading Information label on the inside of the rear edgeof the driver’s door. See Page 252

See Tire-Loading Information label on the inside of the rear edge of the driver’s door. See Page 252

9 336 LHtVIWLt @TM 'TI

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~ VOLUNTARYTECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION THROUGH National lnslltute for r AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE ml