Geo Prizm Table of Contents

1994 PRlZM OWNER'S MANUAL

1994 Owner’s Manual Geo Prizm Table of Contents

Introduction HOWUsetoThis Manual rn 3

Part 1 Seats 81 Restraint Systems = = 7 Part 2 Features & Controls . . . = 39 Part 3 ComfortControls & AudioSystems 81 Part 4 Your Drivingand the Road . = . = 97 Part 5 Problemson the Road = = = . . 119 Part 6 Service & AppearanceCare 143 Part 7 MaintenanceSchedule . 189 Part 8 CustomerAssistance Information = 213 Including “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 216.

Part 9 Index rn..==.=.=.===.=m..rn=...... 223 ServiceStation Information = LastPage

Printed in U.S.A. Part No. I0260664 A Second Edition

1 ... How to Use This Manual lmporfant Notes about This For Canadian OwnersWho Prefer a Published by: Manual French Language Manual Chevrolet Motor Division Aux propridtaires canadiens: Vous pouvez General Motors Corporation Please keep this manual in your Geo,so it vous procurer un exemplaire de ce guide will be there if youever need it when zn franpis chez votre concessionaire ouau General Motors, GM and the GM you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, DGN Marketing Services Ltd., 1500 emblem, Chevrolet and the Chevrolet please leave this manual in it so the new Bonhill Rd., Mississauga, Ontario L5T emblem, and Geo and the Geo emblem are owner can use it. 1C7. registered trademarks of General Motors This manual includesthe latest information Corporation. at the timeit was printed. We reserve the @Copyright 1993 General Motors right to make changes inthe product after Corporation, Chevrolet/Geo Division. All that time withoutfurther notice. For Rights Reserved. vehicles first sold in Canada,substitute the name “General Motorsof Canada Limited” for Chevrolet Motor Division wherever it appears in this manual.

...2 How to Use This Parts 1-8: Each part of this manual Part 4 - Your Driving and the Road: begins witha brief list of its contents,so Here you’ll find helpful information and Manual you can often findat a glance if a part tips about the road and howto drive Many people read their owner’s manual contains the informationyou want. under different conditions. from beginningto end when they first How to Use This Manual: This part Part 5 Problems on the Road:This receive their new vehicle. This will help - tells you how touse your manual and part tells you what todo if you have a you learn about the features and controls includes safety and vehicle damage problem while driving, suchas a flat tire for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll warnings and symbols. or engine overheating, etc. find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly. Part 1 - Seats & Restraint Systems: Part 6 - Service & Appearance Care: This part tells you how to use your seats Here the manual tells you how to keep Index: A good place to look for what and safety belts properly. It also explains your Geo running properly and looking you need is the Index in backof the the air bag system. good. manual. It’s an alphabetical list of all that’s in the manual, and the page Part 2 - Features & Controls: This part Part 7 - Maintenance Schedule:This number where you’ll findit. explains how to start and operate your part tells when to perform vehicle Geo. maintenance and what fluids and Part 3 - Comfort Controls& Audio lubricants to use. Systems: This part tells you how to adjust the comfort controls and how to operate your sound system.

3... How to Use This Manual Part 8 - Customer Assistance Information: This part includes important information about reporting safety defects and gives you details about the “Roadside Assistance” program. You will also find customer satisfaction phone numbers (including customer satisfaction numbers for the hearing and speech impaired), as well as the mediatiodarbitration procedure. We’ve also included ordering information for service publications in this Part. Safety Warnings and Symbols You will also find a circle with a slash Service Station Information:This is a through it in this book. This safety symbol quick reference of service information. You will find a number of safety cautions means “Don’t,’’ “Don’t do this,” or “Don’t You can find it on the last pageof this in this book. We use a box with a gray let this happen.” manual. background and the word CAUTIONto tell you about things that couldhurt you if you were to ignore the warning. In the gray caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please read these cautions. Ifyou don’t, you or others could behurt.

..4 Vehicle Symbols These symbols are important for you and NOTICE: your passengers whenever your vehicleis These are some the symbols you will of driven: find on your vehicle. For example, these symbols are used on an original battery: These mean there is something that Fasten Safety Belts could damage your vehicle. 4 Caution Possible injury These symbols haveto do with your lights:

Protect Eyes by Shielding Master Lighting Switch Vehicle Damage Warnings @ Also, in this book you will find these Turn Signal Direction notices. Caustic Battery Acid Could Cause Burns In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Hazard Warning Flashers Many times, this damage would not be A covered by your warranty, and it could be Avoid Sparksor Flames costly. But the notice will tellyou what to Headlight High Beam EO- do to help avoid the damage. 8 - When you read other manuals, you might Sparks or Flame Could see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in Explode Battery Brightness Control different colors or in different words. You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use yellowfor cautions, bluc for notices and the words CAUTION or NOTICE.

5.. How to Use This Manual These symbols are on some of your Vent Here are some other symbols you may see: controls:

Hood Release Windshield Wiper Heater and Washer These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights: Lighter Windshield Washer Engine Coolant Temperature Horn Windshield Defroster

Battery Charging System I-1 Trunk Release Rear Window Defogger

Engine Oil Pressure Fuel Ventilating Fan

Malfunction Indicator Recirculate (Check Engine) Inside Air 0

Circulate Door Ajar Outside Air

Bi-Level ...6 Part 1 i Seats & Restraint Systems

Here you^ find information about the seatsin your Geo and I LSeats and Seat Controls ...... 8 how to use your safety belts I LSafety Belts: They’re for Everyone ...... 11 properly. You can also learn 1Why Safety Belts Work ...... 12 about some things you should 1Here Are Questions Many People Ask about Safety Belts. and the Answers . , 15 -not do with safety belts. !Safety Belt Reminder Light ...... 15 1How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ...... 16 Children ...... 28 IChild Restraints ...... 29 LargerChildren ...... 35 Safety Belt Extender ...... 37 IChecking Your Restraint Systems ...... 37 Replacing Safety Belts after a Crash ...... 37

7 .. Seats and Restraint Systems Lift the lever under the front seat to Seats and Seat Controls unlock it. Slide theseat to where you This section tells you about the seats - want it. Then release the lever andtry to how to adjust them, andalso about move the seat with your body, to make reclining front seatbacks, head restraints sure the seat is locked into place. and rear folding seatbacks. Don’t put anything under the frontseats. Items under the seats could keep the seats from locking into place properly.

Front Seat

...e Reclining Front Seatbacks To adjust the seatback, lift the leveron the outer sideof the seat. Release the lever to lock the seatback where you want it. Push on the seat to make sure it's locked in position. Pull up on the lever, and the seat will go to its original upright position. But don't have the seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving. Seats and Restraint Systems

Head Restraints Pull up to raise the restraint. To lower it, Rear Folding Seatback(omoN) Slide the head restraint upor down so that push the release button and push down. You can fold either sideof the seatback the top of the restraint is closestto the top Make sure the head restraintis locked in jown in your Geo for more cargo space. of your ears. This position reduces the place after you adjust it. :hance of a neck injury in a crash. To fold either seatback down: 1. Make sure the front seat isn't reclined If it is, the rear seatback won't fold down all the way. 2. Push the button on the side of the seatback whileyou pull down on the seatback.

. . .10 Safety Belts: They’re 1 for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly.It also tells you some things you should notdo with safety belts. And it explains the Supplemental Restraint System, or “air bag” system. 4

3. Fold the seatback down. ’his figure lights up as a reminder to To raise the seatback: mckle up. (See “Safety Belt Reminder 1. Pull the seatback up and push it back 2ight” in the Index.) to lock it into place. :n many states and Canadian provinces, 2. Be sure both sides of the seatback are he law says to wear safety belts. Here’s latched. Push and pullthe top of the why: Thev work. seatback to be sure it is locked in position.

11 ... Seats and Restraint Systems

You never know if you’ll be in a crash.If When the bike hits the block, it stops. But you do have a crash, you don’t know if it Why Safety Belts Work the child keeps going! will be a badone. When you ride in or on anything, yougo A few crashes are mild, and some crashes as fast as it goes. can be so serious that even buckled up For example, if the bike is going 10 mph a person wouldn’t survive. But most ( 16 kmh), so is the child. crashes are in between. In manyof them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 25 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear.In most crashes buckling up does matter... a lot!

. . .I2 Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. just a seat on wheels. The rider doesn’t stop.

13 ... Seats and Restraint Systems

The person keeps going untii stoppedby or the instrument panel... x the safety belts! something. With safety belts, you slow down as the In a real vehicle, it couldbe the vehicle does. You get more timeto stop. windshield .. . You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense.

mmm14 Here Are Questions belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle Many People Ask about up to get the most protection. That’s Safety Belts - and the true not only in frontal collisions, but Answers especially in side and other collisions. Q: If I’m a good driver, and I never Q: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle drive far from home,why should I after an accident if I’m wearinga wear safety belts? safety belt? A: You may be an excellent driver, but A: You could be - whether you’re if you’re in an accident - even one wearing a safety belt or not. But you that isn’t your fault - you and your can easily unbuckle a safety belt, passengers can be hurt. Beinga good I Safety Belt Reminder even if you’re upside down. And your driver doesn’t protect you from things Light chance of being conscious during and beyond your control, such as bad after an accident, so you can unbuckle drivers. When the key is turned to “On” or ‘Start,” a buzzer will comeon for about and get out, is much greater if you are Most accidents occur within 25 miles belted. ight seconds to remind people to fasten (40 km) of home. And the greatest heir safety belts, unless the driver’s Q: Why don’t they just put in air bags number of serious injuries and deaths iafety belt is already buckled. The safety so people won’t have to wear safety occur at speedsof less than 40 mph jelt light willalso come on and stay on belts? (65 kmh). mtil the driver’s belt is buckled. Safety belts are for everyone. A: Air bags, or Supplemental Restraint Systems, are in some vehicles today and will be in more of them in the future. But they are supplemental systems only - so they work with safety belts, not instead of them. Every air bag system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety 15.. Seats and RestraintSystems How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults This section is onlyfor people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rulesfor smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your Geo,see the section after this one, called “Children.” Follow those ;irst, you’ll want to know which restraint Lap-Shoulder Belt rules for everyone’s protection. ystems your vehicle has. The driver hasa lap-shoulder belt. Here’s Ve’ll start with the driver position. how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. >river Position 2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see ’his section describes the driver’s “Seats” in the Index) so you can sit up estraint system. straight.

. . .I6 3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the 5. To make the lap part tight, pull down The lap part of the belt should be worn belt across you. Don’t let it get on the buckle end of the belt as you low and snug on the hips, just touching twisted. pull up on the shoulder belt. the thighs. In a crash, this applies force 4. Push the latch plate into the buckle to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be until it clicks. less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply Pull up on the latch plate to make force at your abdomen.This could cause sure it is secure. If the belt isn’t long serious or even fatal injuries. The enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at shoulder belt should goover the shoulder the end of this section. and across the chest. These parts of the Make sure the release button on the body are best able to take belt restraining buckle is positioned so you would be forces. able to unbuckle the safety belt The safety belt locksif there’s a sudden quickly if you ever had to. stop or crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

17.. To move it up or down, pull the release Adjust the height so that the shoulder S'houlder Belt Height Adjuster knob. When you release the knob,try portion of the belt is properly positioned kiou can move the shoulder belt adjuster to move it down a little to make sure on your shoulder, away from your face tc 3 the height thatis right for you. it has lockedinto position. ,nd neck. To help you find a height thatis right for you, follow these guidelines: For a tall Derson: Use the upper or apper-middle position. G:Use a position somewhere in the middle. For a short Derson: Use the loweror lower-middle position.

I . . .I8 I 1 I Q: What’s wrong with this? a: What’s wrong with this? Q: What’s wrong with this? A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’ L: The belt is buckled in the wrong A: The shoulder beltis worn under the give nearly as much protection this place. arm. It should be worn over the way. shoulder at all times.

19 ... Seats and Restraint Systems Supplemental Restraint System (Air Bags) This section explains the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), or “air bag” system. Your Geo has an air bagfor the driver and for the right-front passenger. Here are the most important things to know:

To unlatch the belt,just push the button Q: What’s wrong with this? on the buckle. The belt shouldgo back A: The belt is twisted acrossthe body. out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle.

...20 Air Bag Readiness Light There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows “AIR BAG’ on it. The system checks for electrical malfunctions, and the light tells you if there is a problem. You will see this light comeon when you turn your ignition to “ACC,”“ON’ or “START.” Then the light should goout, which means the system is ready. Remember, if the air bag readiness light doesn’t come on when you start your vehicle, or stays on, or comes on when you are driving, your air bag system may not work properly. Have your vehicle serviced right away.

21 ... Seats and Restraint Systems car which will move and deform on impact. The air bag is also not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts,or rear impacts where the inflation would provide no occupant protection benefit.

.." It is possible thatin a crash, only one of ,/ the two air bagsin your Geo will deploy. This is rare, but can happenin a crash just severe enough to make an air bag inflate. A In any particular crash, the determination : of whether the air bag should have How the Air Bag System Works The right-front passenger's air bag is inflated cannot be based solely on the located in the instrument panel on the level of damage on the vehicle(s). Where is the air bag? passenger's side. Inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and the vehicle's deceleration, of The driver's air bag is in the middle of the which vehicle damage is only one steering wheel. When is an air bag expected to inflate? indication. Repair cost is nota good The air bag is designed to inflatein indicator of whether an air bag should moderate to severe frontalor near-frontal have deployed. crashes. The air bag will only inflate if the velocity of the impact is above the What makes an air bag inflate? designed threshold level. When impacting straight into a wall that does not move In a frontal or near-frontal impactof or deform, the threshold level for most sufficient severity, the air bag sensing GM vehicles is between 9 and 15 mph system detects that the vehicle is (14 and 23 km/h). However, this velocity suddenly stoppingas a result of a crash. threshold depends on the vehicle design The sensing system triggersa chemical and may be several miles-per-hour faster reaction of the sodium azide sealedin the or slower. In addition, this threshold inflator. The reaction produces nitrogen velocity will be considerably higher if the gas, which inflates a cloth bag. The vehicle strikes an object such asa parked inflator, cloth bag, and related hardware ...22 are all part of the air bag inflator modules that the air bag inflated. Some Your vehicle is equipped with a packed inside the steering wheel and in components &the air bag module in the ,diagnostic module, which records the instrument panel infront of the steering wheel hub for the driver’s air information about theair bag system. passenger. bag or the instrument panelfor the The module records informationabou passenger’s bag may be hot for a short the readiness of the system, when the How does an air bag restrain? time, but the portionof the bag that comes sensors are activated, and whether the In moderate to severe frontal or into contact with you will not be hot to driver’s safety belt was in use. near-frontal collisions, even belted the touch. There will be small amountsof Let only qualified technicians work 01 smoke and dust coming from vents in the occupants can contact the steering wheel your air bag system. Improper service deflated air bags. The air bag will or the instrument panel. The air bag can mean that your air bag system impede the driver’s vision or ability to supplements the protection provided by won’t work properly.See your dealer steer the vehicle, nor will it hinder the safety belts. Air bagsdistribute the for service. force of the impact more evenly over occupants from exiting the vehicle. the occupant’s upper body,stopping the In many crashes severe enough to inflate occupant more gradually. Butair bags an air bag, windshields are brokenby NOTICE: would not provide protection in many vehicle deformation. Additional types of collisions, including rollovers windshield breakage may occur in If you damage the cover for the and rear and side impacts, primarily vehicles with passenger air bags because driver’s or the right-front passenger’s because an occupant’s motion is not the windshield acts as a reaction surface air bag, they may not work properly. toward the air bag.Air bags should for the inflating air bag. You may have to replace the air bag never be regarded as anything more than on the steering wheel or both the air 0 The air bags are designed to inflate a supplement to safety belt protectionin bag and the instrument panelfor the only once. After theyinflate, you’ll moderate to severe frontal and passenger’s air bag. Do not open or need some new parts for your air bag near-frontal collisions. break the air bag cavers. system. If you don’t get them, theair What will you see after anair bag bag system won’t be thereto help inflation? protect you in another crash.A new system will include air bag modules After the air bag has inflated, it will then and possibly other parts. The service quickly deflate. This occurs so quickly manual has information about the that some people may not evenrealize need to replace other parts.

211 Seats and Restraint Systems Is the smoke from an air bag inflation harmful? The particles emitted duringair bag inflation are not harmful to most people. Some people with respiratory ailments may experience difficulty breathingif they stay in the vehiclewith the windows closed after airbag inflation. So, if your air bag inflates, you and any passengers should exit the vehicle if and when it is safe to do so. If you or your passengers can’t get out of the vehicle, tryto get fresh air by opening a window, turning on Safety Belt Use during the fan, or opening a door. Pregnancy Servicing your Air Bag-Equipped Geo Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they Air bags affect how your Geo should be are more likely to be seriously injured if serviced. There are partsof the air bag they don’t wear safety belts. system in several places around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to A pregnant woman should wear a inflate while someone is working on your lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion vehicle. Your Geo dealer and the 1994 should be worn as low as possible Prizm Service Manual have information throughout the pregnancy. about servicing your vehicle and theair The best way to protect the fetus is to bag system. The air bag system does not protect the mother. Whena safety belt need regular maintenance. is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effectiveis wearing them properly.

...24 I

sassenger Positions Rear Seat Passengers 1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the tight Front Passenger Position It’s very important for rear seat belt across you. Don’t let getit twisted. ’he right front passenger’s safety belt passengers to buckle up! Accident iorks the same way as the driver’s safety statistics show that unbelted peoplein the 2. Push the latch plate into the buckle lelt. See “Driver Position,” earlier in this rear seat are hurt more often in crashes until it clicks. lart. than those who are wearing safety belts. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it Yhen the shoulder belt is pulled out all Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted is secure. he way, it will lock. If it does, let it go can be thrown outof the vehicle in a When the shoulder belt is pulled out all lack all the way and start again. crash. And they can strike others in the the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go vehicle who are wearing safety belts. back all the way and start again. Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions If the belt is not long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the endof this section. Lap-Shoulder Belt Make sure the release buttonon the The positions nextto the windows have buckle is positioned so you would be able lap-shoulder belts. Here’show to wear to unbuckle the safety belt quicklyif you one properly. ever had to.

25.. Seats and Restraint Systems

3. To make the lap part tight, pull down 1:he lap part of the belt should be worn on the buckle end of the belt as you 11 ow and snug on the hips,just touching pull up on theshoulder part. t he thighs. In a crash, this applies force to t he strong pelvic bones. And you’d be 11 ess likely to slide under the lap belt. If 4~OU slid under it, the belt would apply f orce at your abdomen. This could cause S,erious or even fatal injuries.The S#boulder belt should go over the shoulder amd across the chest.These parts of the tYody are best able to take belt restraining f orces. 1The safety belt locksif there’s a sudden s;top or crash, or if you pull it very quickly <)ut of the retractor.

...26 c F

e To unlatch the belt,just push the When you sit in a center seating position, button on the buckle. :enter Passenger Position you have a lap safety belt, which has no lap Belt retractor. To make the belt longer, tilt the F your vehicle has a rear bench seat, latch plate and pull it along the belt. omeone can sit in the center position.

27 ... Seats and Restraint Systems Smaller Children and Babies

To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug. Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! Buckle, position and release it the same That includes infantsand all children way as the lap part of a lap-shoulder belt. smaller than adult size. In fact, the law in If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety every state in the United States and in Belt Extender” at the end of this section. every Canadian province says children up Make sure the release button on the to some age must be restrained while in a buckle is positioned so you would be able vehicle. to unbuckle the safety belt quicklyif you ever had to.

...28 Child Restraints Be sure to follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet,or both. These restraints use the belt system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury. The instructions that come with the infantor child restraint will showyou how to do ;hat. Where to Put the Restraint Accident statistics show that children are iafer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat.We at General Motors therefore recommend that you ?ut your child restraint in the rear seat. YEVER put a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat. Here’s why:

29 ... Seats and Restraint Systems

- i

~~ I’op Strap Securing a Child Restraintin a Rear [f your child restraint has a top strap,it Outside Position should be anchored.If you need to have You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See an anchor installed, you can ask your Geo the earlier section about the top strap if dealer to putit in for you. If you want to the child restraint has one. install an anchor yourself, your dealer can1. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow ;ell you how todo it. the instructions for the child restraint. For cars first sold in Canada, child 2. Secure the child in the child restraint Wherever you install it, be sureto secure restraints with a top strap must be as the instructions say. anchored according to Canadian law. the child restraint properly. 3. Pick up the latch plate, andrun the lap Keep in mind that an unsecured child Your dealer can obtain the hardware kit and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s restraint can move around in a collision and install it for you, or you may install it safety belt through or around the or sudden stop and injure people in the yourself using the instructions provided in restraint. The child restraint vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any the kit. instructions will showyou how. child restraint in your vehicle- even Use the tether hardware kit available from If the shoulder belt goes in frontof the when no child is in it. the dealer. The hardware and installation child’s face or neck, put it behind the instructions were specifically designed fol child restraint. this vehicle. ...30 4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release 5. Pull the rest of the shoulder beltall the 6.. TO tighten the belt, feed the shoulder button is positioned so you would be way out of the retractor to set the lock. belt into the retractor while you push able to unbuckle the safety belt down on the child restraint. quickly if you ever had to.

31... Seats and Restraint Systems

7. Push and pull the child restraint in 1. Make the belt as longas possible by Securing a Child Restraint inthe different., . directions to be sureit is tilting the latch plate and pullingit secure’. Zenter Rear Seat Position along the belt. To remove the childrestraint, just When you secure a child restraint ina 2. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt andlet :enter seating position, you’ll be using the the instructions forthe child restraint. ,ap belt. it go back all the way. The safety belt will 3. Secure the child in the child restraint move freely againand be ready to work See the earlier section about the top strap as the instructionssay. for an adult or larger child passenger. d the child restraint has one.

. . .32 7. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sureit is secure. If the child restraint isn’t secure, turn the latch plate over and buckle it again. Then see if it is secure. If it isn’t, secure the restraint in a different placein the vehicle and contact the child restraint maker for their advice about how to attach the U child restraint properly. To remove the child restraint,just 4. Run the vehicle’s safety belt through unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt. It will or around the restraint. The child be ready to work for an adult or larger Securing a Child Restraint in the Righi restraint instructions will show you child passenger. Front Seat how. Your vehicle has a right-front passenger? 5. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release air bag. NEVER put a rear-facing child button is positioned so you would be restraint in this seat. Here’s why: able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 6. To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push down on the child restraint.

33 ... Seats and Restraint Systems cou’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See he earlier section about thetop strap if he child restrainthas one. I. Because your vehicle hasa right-front passenger’s air bag, always move the seat as far back asit will go before securing a front-facing child restraint. 2. Put the restrainton the seat. Follow the instructions for the child restraint. 3. Secure the child in the child restraint as the instructions say. 5. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release 6. Pull the rest of the shoulder beltall the 4. Pick up the latch plate, andrun the lap and shoulder portionsof the vehicle’s button is positioned so you would be way out of the retractorto set the lock. safety belt throughor around the able to unbuckle the safety belt restraint. The childrestraint quickly if you ever had to. instructions will showyou how. If the shoulderbelt goes in front of the child‘s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.

...34 -A

I 7. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder 8. Push and pull the chilu 1-esrraint in belt back into the retractor while you different directions to be sureit is Larger Children push down on the child restraint. secure. Children who have outgrown child To remove the child restraint,just restraints should wear the vehicle’s safety unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let belts. it go back all theway. If you have the choice, a child should sit The safety belt will move freely again and next to a windowso the child can weara be ready to work for an adultor larger lap-shoulder belt and get the additional child passenger. restraint a shoulder belt can provide. Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear seat. But they need to use the safety belts properly. 0 Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out ina crash. Seats and Restraint Systems Q. What if a child is wearing a lapshoulder belt, but the childis so small that the shoulder beltis very close to the child's face or neck? A: Move the child toward the centerof the vehicle, but be sure that the shoulder belt stillis on the child's shoulder, so that in a crash the child's upper body would have the restraint that belts provide. I If the child isso small that the 0 Children who aren't buckled up can shoulder belt is still very close to the strike other peoplewho are. child's face or neck, you might want to place the childin the center seat position, the one that has only a lap belt .

...36 Safety Belt,,Extender~. Replacing Safety Belts .;, ’ ., ....,::.* , . . <, If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten after aCrash around you, you should use it. If you’ve had a crash, do you need new But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to belts? fasten, your dealer will orderyou an After a very minor collision, nothing may extender. It’sfree. When you go in to be necessary. But ifthe belts were order it, take the heaviestcoat you will stretched, as they would beif worn during wear, so the extender will be long enough a more severe crash, then you neednew for you. The extender will bejust foryou, belts. and just forthe seat in your vehicle that you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, [f you ever seea label on the driver’sor and use it onlyfor the seat it ismade to the right-front passenger’s safety belt that fit. To wear it, just attach it tothe regular says. to replacethe belt, be sureto do so. safety belt. rhen the new belt will be there to help protect you in an accident. You would see this label on the belt near the door Checking Your 3pening. Restraint Systems [f belts are cutor damaged, replace them. Now and then, make sure all your belts, Zollision damage’ also may mean you buckles, latch plates, retractors, will need to have safety beltor seat parts anchorages and reminder systems are repaired or replaced. New parts and working properly. Look for any loose -epairs may be necessary even if the belt parts or damage. If you see anything that gasn’t being used at the timeof the might keep a restraint system from doing :ollision. Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of its job, have it repaired. the belt should be wornlow and snug on the hips, just touching the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash. Seats and Restraint Systems

Q: What's wrong with this? A: The belt is torn. Torn or frayed beltsmay not protect you in a crash. They canrip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.

. . .38 Part 2 Features & Controls

Keys ...... 40 Door Locks ...... 41 Theft ...... 44 New Vehicle"Break-In" ...... 44 Ignition Switch ...... 44 Starting Your Engine ...... 45 AutomaticTransaxle ...... 47 Here you can learn about the Manual Transaxle ...... 49 many standard and optional Parking ...... 51 Features on your Geo. and EngineExhaust ...... 54 information on starting. shifting Windows ...... 55 and braking. Also explained are Horn ...... 56 the instrument panel and the TiltWheel ...... 56 The Turn SignaVLights ControUHeadlight Beam Lever ...... 56 warning systems that tell youif InteriorLights ...... 58 everything is working properly- Windshield WiperNasher Lever ...... 59 and what to do if you have a CruiseControl ...... 61 problem. Mirrors ...... 63 SunRoof ...... 64 Storageand Compartments ...... 66 Sunvisors ...... 67 Passenger Assist Grips ...... 68 AshtraysandLighter ...... 68 Instrument Panel and Clusters ...... 72.

39 ... Features and Controls NOTICE: Your Geo has a number of features that can help prevent theft. But you can have a lot of trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever lock your keys inside. You may even have to damage your vehicle to getin. So be sure you have an extra key.

)ne key is used for the ignition, the Keys loors, and all other locks. Nhen a new Geo is delivered,the dealer emoves the metal plate from the key rinl md gives it to the first owner. The metal plate has a code on it that tells 'our dealer or a qualified locksmith how o make extra keys. Keepthe code in a afe place. If you lose your keys, you'll ,e able to have new ones made easily rsing this code.

...40 1 Door Locks

I 1

(here are several ways to lock and unlocjk To lock the door from the inside, push 'our vehicle: down the button on the door. kom the outside, use yowlkey.To lock To unlock the door, pull up on the button. he door, turn the top of the key toward he front of the car. If you have power loor locks, all the doors will lock. 'urn the top of the key toward the rearof le car to unlock the door. If your vehicle as power door locks, turn the key once I unlock the driver's door only. Turn the ey back to center, then toward therear gain to unlock all the doors. Usingthe ey in the passenger's door will unlocka1 1 Le doors.

41 ... Features and Controls

Power Door Locks (Option) Rear Door Security Lock :f you want to open a rear door when the Push the power door lock switch on the Your Geo is equipped with rear door iecurity lock is on: driver’s door to lockor unlock all the security locks that help prevent 1. Unlock the door from the inside. doors at once. passengers from opening the rear doors01 2. Then open the door from the outside. your car from the inside. Leaving Your Vehicle To use one of these locks: If you are leaving the vehicle, take your 1. Turn the knob so the bar points up anc key, open your door and setthe locks down. from inside. Then get out andclose the door. 2. Close the door. 3. Do the same thing to the other rear door lock. The rear doors of your vehicle cannotbe opened from inside when this feature is in use.

...42 If you don’t cancel the security lock rrunk Lock Release Remote Trunk Lock Release feature, adults and older children who rid b open the trunk lid, use your key and Pull the lever on the floor near the in the rear won’t be able to open the rear urn it clockwise. driver’s door to open the trunk lid from door from the inside. You should let inside your vehicle. adults and older children know how thest To close the lid, lower and press down on security locks work, andhow to cancel t. After closing the lid, try pulling it up to the locks. nake sure it is closed. To cancel the rear door lock: 1. Unlock the door from the inside and open the door from the outside. 2. Turn the knob so the bar points towar the sides. 3. Do the same for the other rear door. The rear door locks will now work normally.

43 . I Features and Controls Theft New Vehicle B Vehicle theft is big business, especially in “Brreak-ln” some cities. Although your Geo has a number of theft deterrentfeatures, we NOTICE: know that nothing we put on itcan make it impossibleto steal. However, there are Your modern Geo doesn’t need an ways you can help. elaborate “break-in.” But it will perform better inthe long runif you fol- Key in the Ignition low these guidelines: If you walk awayfrom your vehicle with 0 Don’t drive at any one speed W the keys inside, it’s an easy targetfor joy - fast or slow - for the first riders or professionalthieves - so don’t 500 miles (804 km). Don’t Ignition Switch do it. make full-throttle starts. When you park your Geo and openthe Nith the key in the ignition switch, you 0 Avoid making hard stops for driver’s door, you’ll heara tone :an turn the switch tofour positions: the first 200 miles (322 km) or LOCK (A): The only position in which reminding youto remove your key from so. During’thistime your new the ignition and takeit with you. Always IOU can remove thekey. This locks your brake linings aren’tyet broken jteering wheel, ignition and automatic do this. Your steering wheelwill be in. Hard stops with new linings locked, and so will your ignition.If you ransaxle. Push in the ignition switch as can mean premature wear and you turn the top of it toward you. have an automatic transaxle, taking your earlier replacement. Followthis key out also locks your transaxle.And “breaking-in” guideline every [f you have an automatic transaxle, the 1 remember to lock the doors. time you get new brake linings. ignition switch cari’tbe tyrned to 1 ”LOCK” unless the shift leveris in the Parking at Night “P” (Park) position. Park in a lighted spot, closeall windows KC(B): Position in which you can and lock your vehicle. Rememberto keep 3perate some of your electrical power your valuables outof sight. Put them ina accessories (such as theradio, but not thc storage area,or take them with you. ventilation fan). It unlocks the steering wheel and ignition.

...44 ON (C): Position to which the switch returns after you start your engine and Starting Your Engine release the switch. The switch stays in 1 A CAUTION: Automatic transaxle: Move your shift the “ON’ position when the engine is On manual transaxle vehicles, lever to “P” (Park) or “N” (Neutral). Your running. But even when the engine is not turning the keyto “LOCK” will lock engine won’t start in any other position - running, you can use “ON” to operate the steering column and resultin a that’s a safety feature. To restart when your electrical power accessories loss of ability to steer the vehicle. you’re already moving, use “N’ (Neutral) only. (including the ventilation fan) and to This could cause a collision. If you display some warning and indicator need to turn the engineoff while the lights. vehicle is moving, turn the key only NOTICE: START (D): Starts the engine. When the to “ACC.” Don’t push the key in engine starts, release the key. The ignition while the vehicle is moving. Don’t try to shift to“P” (Park) if your switch will return to “ON” for normal Geo is moving. If you do, you could driving. damage the transaxle. Shift to “P’ When the engine is not running, “ACC” NOTICE: (Park) only when your vehicle is and “ON” allow you to operate some of stopped. your electrical accessories. If your key seems stuck in “LOCK” ~~ ~~~ A warning tone will sound if you open and you can’t turn it, be sure it is all Manual transaxle: The gear selector the driver’s door when the ignition is in the way in. If it is; then turn the should be in neutral. Hold the clutch “ACC” or “LOCK’ and the key is in the steering wheel left and right while pedal to the floor and start the engine. ignition. you turn the key hard. But turn the Your vehicle won’t start ifthe clutch key only with your hand. Using a pedal is not all the way down - that’s tool to force it could break the key a safety feature. or the ignition switch.If none of To start your engine: this works, then your vehicle needs service. 1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your ignition key to “START.” When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm.

45 ... Features and Controls same thing, but this time keep the Driving fhroughDeep Standing NOTICE: pedal down for five or six seconds. This clears the extra gasoline fromthe Water Holding yourkey in “START” for engine. longer than 15 seconds ata time will cause your battery to be drained If your enginestalls, restart it as NOTICE: explained earlier.If it stalls often, much sooner. And the excessive heat If you drive too quickly through deep can damage your starter motor. have the engine checkedby your dealer as soon as possible. puddles or standing water, water can come in through your engine’sair 2. If it doesn’t start in three seconds, wait intake and badly damage your about 15 seconds and try again to start NOTICE: engine. If you can’t avoid deep the engineby turning the ignitionkey puddles or standing water, drive to “START.” Wait about 15 seconds Your engine is designed to work with through them very slowly. between each try to help avoid the electronics in your vehicle. If you draining your battery. add electrical parts or accessories, When your engine hasrun about you could change the way the fuel 10 seconds to warm up, your vehicle injection system operates. Before is ready to be driven. Don’t “race” adding electrical equipment, check your engine when it’s cold. with your dealer. If you don’t, your engine might not perform properly. If the weather is below freezing (32°F or OOC), let the engine runfor If you ever have to have your vehicle a few minutes to warm up. towed, see the partof this manual 3. If your engine still won’t start (or that tells how to do it without starts but thenstops), it could be damaging your vehicle. See “Towing flooded with too much gasoline. Try Your Vehicle” in the Index. pushing your accelerator pedalall the way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in “Start”for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again,do the

...46 lever - push the shift lever all theway into “P” (Park) and releasethe shift lever button as you maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever button and move the shift lever into the gear you wish. See “Shifting out of ‘P’ (Park)” in this part. R (Reverse) Use this gear to back up. NOTICE: Automatic Transaxle Shifting to “R’ (Reverse) while your There are several different positionsfor vehicle is moving forward could your shift lever. damage your transaxle. Shiftto “R’ P (Park) only after your vehicleis stopped. This locks your front wheels. It’s the best position to use when you start your To rock your vehicle back and forthto engine because your vehicle can’t move get out of snow, ice or sand without easily. damaging your transaxle, see “Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow” in the Index. Ensure the shift lever is fully in“P” (Park) range before starting the eng,ine. Your Geo has a brake-transaxle shift interlock. You have to fullyapply your regular brakes before you can shift from T“ (Park) when the ignition key is in the “ON’ position. If you cannot shift out of “P” (Park), ease pressure on the shift

47 ... Features and Controls N(Neutral) D(Drive) 0 2 (SecondGear) In this position, your engine doesn’t This position is for normal driving. If you This position gives you more power but connect with the wheels. To restart when need more power for passing, and you’re: lower fuel economy. You can use “2” on you’re already moving, use “N” (Neutral: hills. It can help control your speed as only. Also, use “N” when your vehicle is - Going less than about 27 mph you go down steep mountain roads, but being towed. (43 km/h), push your accelerator then you would also want to use your pedal about halfway down. brakes off and on. - Going about 29 mph (47 kdh) or more, push your accelerator pedal all the way down. NOTICE: You’ll shift down to the next gear and Don’t drive in “2” (Second Gear) have more power. for more than 5 miles (8 km), or at speeds over 55 mph (88 km/h), or you can damage your transaxle. Use “D’ as much as possible. Don’t shift into “2” unless you are going slower than 65 mph (105 km/h), or you can damage your engine.

I NOTICE: Damage to your transaxle causedby shifting out of “P’ (Park) or “N” (Neutral) with the engine racing isn’t covered by your warranty.

...48 0 L (Low Gear) This position gives you even more power (but lower fuel economy) than“2.” You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the selector lever is put in “L,” the transaxle won’t shift into low gear until the vehicleis going slowly en lough.

NOTICE: 1I IL If your front wheels can’t rotate, don’t try to drive. This might happen Overdrive (Option) Manual Transaxle if you were stuck invery deep sand If your automatic transaxle has Overdrive, or mud or were up againsta solid you can useit for better fuel economy. Five-Speed object. You could damage your trans- After starting your engine, always push in This is your shift pattern. Here’show to axle. the “OVERDRIVE’ switch. Then select operate your transaxle: Also, if you stop when going uphill, the gear you want and press the 1 (First Gear) -Press the clutch don’t hold your vehicle there with accelerator pedal. pedal and shift into “1.” Then, slowly only the accelerator pedal. This could Gradual starts giveyou the best fuel let up on the clutch pedal asyou press overheat and damage the transaxle. economy. Fast starts use the mostfuel. the accelerator pedal. Use your brakes to hold your vehicle A light on the instrument panel will come You qan shift into “1” when you’re in position on a hill. on whenever you turn off Overdrive. See going less than20 mph (32 km/h). If “Overdrive Off Light” in the Index. you’ve come to a complete stop and it’s hard to shift into “1,” put the shift lever in “Neutral” and let up on the clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into “1.”

49 ... Features and Controls 0 2 (Second Gear)- Press the clutch Shift Speeds (MANUAL TRANsMIssIoNj pedal as you let up on the accelerator pedal and shift into “2.” Then, slowly This chart shows whento shift to the next gear for best fuel economy. let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. MANUAL TRANSMISSION RECOMMENDEDSHIFT SPEEDS, IN MPH(kmk) 0 3,4 and 5 (Third, Fourth and Fifth I I Acceleration Shift Speed I Gears) - Shift into “3,” “4” and “5” 1 to2 3 3 2 to to 4 to 4 5 the same way you do for “2.” Slowly I I or 2 to 1 I 2 orto 3 I or4to3 I or5to4 I let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. 0 To Stop - Let up on the accelerator pedal and press the brake pedal. Just If your speed drops below20 mph (32 km/h), or if the engineis not running smoothly, before the vehiclestops, press the you should downshift to thenext lower gear. You may have to downshift two or more clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and gears to keep the engine running smoothlyor for good performance. shift to “Neutral.” 0 Neutral - Use this position when you start or idle your engine. 0 R (Reverse) - To back up, press down the clutch pedal and shift .into “R.” Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal. NOTICE: Shift to “R” (Reverse) only after your vehicle is stopped. Shiftingto “R” (Reverse) while your vehicleis moving could damage your transaxle.

Also, use “R’ (Reverse) along with the parking brake for parking your vehicle. ...50 NOTICE: If you skip more than one gear when Parking To release theparking brake: Hold the you downshift, or if you race the brake pedal down.Pull the parking brake engine when you downshift, youcan Parking Brake lever up until you can pressthe release damage the clutch or transaxle. button. Hold the release button in as you To set the parking brake: Hold the brake move the lever all the way down. pedal down and pull up on the parking brake lever. If the ignition is on, the brake NOTICE: system warning light will come on. Driving with the parking brakeon can cause your rear brakesto overheat. You may have to replace them, and you could also damage other parts of your vehicle.

If you are towing a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.

51 ... Features and Controls Shifting into“P” (Park) Leaving Your Vehicle with the (AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE) Engine Running (AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE)

1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and set the parking brake. 2. Move the shift lever into “P” (Park) position like this:

0 Hold in the button on the lever, and push the lever all the way toward the front of your vehicle. 3. Move the key to “LOCK.” 4. Remove the key and take it with you. Shifting outof P (Park) If you can walk away from your (AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE) vehicle with the key in your hand, Your Geo has a brake-transaxle shift your vehicle is in “P’ (Park). interlock. You have to fully apply your regular brake before you can shift from “P’ (Park) when the ignition is in the “ON” position. See “Automatic Transaxle” in the Index.

...52 4. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as possible. Parking Your Vehicle (MANUALTRANSAXLE) Before you get out of your vehicle, put your manual transaxle in “R” (Reverse) and firmly apply the parking brake. If your vehicle is equippedto tow a trailer, see “Towinga Trailer” in the Index. If you cannot shift out of “P” (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever - push the Parking over Things That Burn shift lever all theway into “P,’ (Park) and release the shift lever button as you maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever button and move the shift lever into the gear you wish. If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can’t shift out of “P” (Park), try this: 1. Carefully pry the shift lock override cover from the floor shift console using a flat-bladed tool. 2. Insert the end of the flat-bladed tool into the rectangular slot and press down firmly. 3. While maintaining brake application, move the shift lever into the drive gear you want.

53. . Features and Controls Engine Exhaust Running Your Engine While You’re Parked (AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE) It’s better not to park with the engine running. But if you ever have to, here are some things to know.

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 and if you’re pulling a trailer, also see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.

...54 There are individual controlsnear each Wiiidow. Push the bottom of the switch to open a window and the top of the switch to raise it. 'ress the window lock switch tokeep passengers from using their individual window switches. Pressthe switch again to unlock the windows.

Windows Power Windows (Option) Manual Windows With power windows, switches on the Use the window crank to open and close driver's door control each window when each window; the ignition is on. Push downthe front of the switch to lower a window and lift the front of the switch to raise a window. The switch for the driver's window hasan Express Down feature. To use the Express Down, push the switch down all the way. Release 'the switch and the window will lower completely. You can also open this window any amount by pushing the switch halfway down and releasing it when you want the window to stop. Do not push the switch whenthe window is in the Express Down mode. Features and Controls

Horn II Tilt Wheel (OPTION) The Turn SignallLights To sound the horn, press the horn symbol 4 tilt steering wheel allowsyou to adjust ControlIHeadlight on your steering wheel. he steering wheel before you drive. Beam Lever I'ou can also raise it to the highest level o give your legs more room when you The lever on the left sideof the steering :xit and enter the vehicle. column includes your: :o tilt the wheel, hold thesteering wheel Turn Signal and Lane Change .nd lift the lever. Move thesteering wheel Indicator o a comfortable level, then release the Headlight High/Low Beam and ever to lock the wheelin place. Passing Signal Operation of Lights

...56 1 Operauon of Lights fi Although your vehicle’s lighting system (headlights, parking lights, fog lamps, sidemarker lights and taillights)meets all applicable federal lighting requirements, Icertain states and provinces may apply their own lighting regulations that may require special attention before you Ioperate these lights. For example, some jurisdictions may L 1require that you operate your fog lamps Turn Signal and Lane Change A green arrow on the instrument panel (only when your lower beam headlights will flash in the directionof the turn or iare also on, or that headlights be turned Indicator lane change. 3n whenever you must use your The turn signal hastwo upward (for To signal a lane change,just raise or windshield wipers. In addition, most Right) and two downward (for Left) lower the lever until the green arrow start!3J iurisdictions prohibit driving solely with positions. These positions allow youto to flash. Hold it there until you complete Iparking lights, especially at dawnor dusk. signal a turn or a lane change. your lane change. The leverwill return by rl[t is recommended that you check with 1 To signal a turn, move the lever all the itself when you release it. your own state or provincial highway authority for applicable lighting way up or down. When the turn is As you signal a turnor a lane change, regulations. finished, the lever will return if the arrows flash faster than normal, a automatically. signal bulb may be burnedout and other drivers won’t see your turn signal. If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an accident. If the green arrows don’t go on at all when you signal a turn, check the fuse (see “Fuses” in the Index) and for burned-out bulbs.

57 ... Features and Controls

Turn the outside portionof the lever to control the lights. There are three Headlight High/Low Beam Interior Lights positions for the light switch. First, you must have the headlights on. Dome Light 0 OFF: All lights are off. For high beams, push the turn signal lever This dome light hasa three position away from you. When the high beams are switch. 0 -: At the middle position, the parking on, a blue light on the instrument panel lights, taillights, license plate light and also will be on. It willgo off when you 0 ON: The light comes on and stays on the instrument panel lighting come on. switch to low beam. To switch back to whether or not a door is open. The headlights are off. low beams, pull the lever toward you. 0 OFF: The light stays off even when a 0 Eo- : The headlights and all other door is open. operating lights come on. Flash-to-Pass 0 DOOR: The light comes on when a With the lever in the low beam position, door is opened. Lights On Reminder pull the lever toward youto momentarily If you turn the ignition to“LOCK’ or switch to high beams (to signal that you “ACC” and leave the lightson, you’ll are going to pass).If you have the hear a tone when you open the driver’s headlights on, when you release the lever door. they will return to low beams.

...58 Leading Light Brightness Control Windshield F you have a sunroof, you have a reading This knob controls the brightness of your WiperNasher Lever .ght near the sunroof switch. Press the instrument panel lights. Turn the knob witch to turn the light on and press it clockwise to brighten the lightsor The lever on the right side of the steering gain to turn itoff. counterclockwise to dim them. column controls the windshield wipers and washer. Move the lever to the position you want: 0 OFF: The wipers are off. 0 PNT Intermittent wiper operation(if your Geo has this).In light rain or snow, you might want to use this position rather than continuous wiping. You can change the time between wipes by turning the “INT TIME” band. Turn the band toward “S” for a longer delay or toward “F’ for a shorter delay.

59 ... ,, . I, .. i Features and Controls D LO: The wiperswill fun continuously Washers at low’ speed. ’ress the button on the end of the lever to NOTICE: B The wipers will run continuously pray washer fluid on’the‘ windshield. .The HI: 0 When using concentrated washer at high speed. pray will continue’untilyou release the fluid, follow the manufacturer’s MIST: (If you have mist-type wipers, button. The wipers will run once. instructions for adding water. the lever doesn’t havean “INT” 0 Don’t mix water with ready-to- position.) For a single wiping cycle, use washer fluid. Water can push the leverto “MIST,” Hold it .there fora second, thenlet go. The cause the solution to freeze and wipers will stop afterone cycle. If you damage your washer fluid tank and other parts the washer want more cycles,hold the lever at of “MIST” longer. system. Also, water doesn’t clean as well as washer fluid. Heavy snow orice can overload your 0 Fill your washer fluid tank only wipers. A circuit breaker will stop them 3/4 full when it’s very cold. This until the motor cools. Clear away snowor allows for expansion, which ice to prevent an overload. could damage the tank if it is completely full. 0 Don’t use radiator antifreeze in your windshield washer.It can damage your paint.

...60 I

Cruise Control (OPTION) To Set Cruise Control With Cruise Control,you can maintain a 1. Push the end of the Cruise Control speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more lever. The “CRUISE’ light on the without keeping your foot on the instrument panel will come on. accelerator. This can really help on long trips. Cruise Control does not work at speeds below about 25 mph (40 km/h). When you apply your brakes, or push the clutch pedal, if you have a manual transaxle, the Cruise Control shutsoff.

61 . . Features and Controls To Increase Speed While Using Cruise Control There are two ways to go to a higher speed. Here’s the first: 1. Use the accelerator pedal to get to the higher speed. 2. Push the lever to “SETKOAST” and hold it for less than a second. Release the lever and the accelerator pedal. You’ll now cruise at the higher speed. 2. Get up to the speed you want. Here’s the second way to go to a higher To Resume a Set Speed speed: 3. Push the lever down to “SET/COAST” and release it. Suppose you set your Cruise Control at a 0 Move the Cruise lever from“ON’ to desired speed and then you apply the “RES/ACC.” Hold it there until you 4. Take your foot off the accelerator brake. This, of course, shuts off the get up to the speedyou want, and then pedal. Cruise Control. Butyou don’t need to release the lever. reset it. Unless you’re going about25 0 To increase your speedin very small mph (40 kmh) or less or you slowed amounts, move the leverto down to 10 mph ( 16 km/h) less than your “RES/ACC” for less than half a preset speed, you can press the lever uptc 3 second and then release it. Each time “RES/ACC” for about half a second. you do this, your vehicle will go about You’ll go right back up to your chosen 1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster. speed and stay there. If your preset speed cancels out whenit shouldn’t, there may be a problem with your Cruise Control. See your dealer.

... 62 To Reduce Speed While Using Cruise Control There are two ways to reduce your speed while using cruise control: Push the lever to “SET/COAST” until you reach the lower speedyou want, then release it. To slow down in very small amounts, push the lever for less than halfa second. Each time you do this, you’ll go 1 mph (1.6 kmh) slower. Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control To Get Out of Cruise Control II Mirrors Use the accelerator pedalto increase your There are several ways to turn off the I:nside Daymight Rearview Mirror speed. When you take yourfoot off the Cruise Control: P in inside rearview mirror is attached to pedal, your vehicle will slow downto the 1. Step lightly on the brake pedal or push Cruise Control speed you set earlier. Y our roof. The mirror hasa pivot so that the clutch pedal, if you have a manual ~OUcan adjust itup and down or sideto Using Cruise Control onHills transaxle. Side. How well your Cruise Control will work 2. Move the shift lever to “N’ (Neutral) 7tou can adjust the mirrorfor day or nigh on hills depends upon your speed, load, if you have an automatic transaxle. Clriving. Pull the tabfor night driving to and the steepnessof the hills. When going 3. Press the Cruise “ON-OFF’’ button r‘educe glare. Pushthe tab for daytime up steep hills, you may have to step on again or pull the lever toward you to cIriving. the accelerator pedal to maintain your cancel. speed. When going downhill, you may have to brake or shift to a lower gear to To Erase Speed Memory keep your speed down.Of course, applying the brake takesyou out of When you turn off the Cruise Control or Cruise Control. Many drivers find this the ignition, your Cruise Control set speec1 to be too much trouble and don’t use memory is erased. Cruise Control on steep hills. 63 ... Features and Controls Convex Outside Mirror Your right side mirror may be convex. A convex mirror’s surface is curved so you can see more from the driver’s seat.

Electric Mirror Control(Option) Sunroof The electric mirror control is to the left You can tilt or open your sunroof. To tilt of your steering wheel.To adjust either the sunroof, press the switch marked mirror, move the switch to “L,” (left) or “UP.” Press the other endof the switch “R’ (right). Then use the round touch pad to lower the sunroof.Your ignition must lanes. to adjust the mirror.When you are done be on for this switch to work. - I adjusting the mirrors, move the control back to the center. Manual Adjust Mirrors Adjust these mirrors by hand so that you can just see the side of your vehicle when you are sitting in a comfortable driving position.

. .64 To open the sunroof, push the “SLIDE’ If the sunroof will not close, follow these 1. Close the sunroof by hand as far as it arrow that points to the rear of the instructions: will go. Then find the special vehicle. To close it, push the other arrow 1. Remove the cover screw and take off crank-shaped screwdriver in your tool that points to the front of the vehicle. the sunroof control cover. bag. It is in your trunk. Insert the The sunroof will close partially then screwdriver into the hole and turn it 2. stop. Push the arrow again to close it Carefully remove the inside screw, clockwise until the sunroof is closed. washers and spacers. Be careful not toI completely. You can open the sunroof to E5e sure to have the sunroof checked by any position. lose this screw, the washers orthe spacers because the sunroofwon’t Y‘our Geo dealer as soon as possible. work without them.

os... Features and Controls

Storage and Console Storage Area Door Storage Compartments Compartments A small storage areais in the console The driver's door has a maplstorage between the seats. If there is a cover, lift compartment. You may also have a Cupholder it up to access the storage area. storage compartment on your passenger door. To open the cupholder, push and release the bar and the cupholder will slide out. With cups removed, pushit back in to store.

... 66 Glove Box Sun Visors Visor Vanity Mirrors (Option) To open the glove box door, squeeze the To block out glare, youcan swing down Swing down the sun visor. Pull down th buttons. the visors. cover to expose the vanity mirror. Always keep the glove box door closed You can also swing them to the side. while driving. Features and Controls

Passenger Assist Grips Ashtrays and Lighter Rear Ashtray Your Geo may have assist grips. Front Ashtray You have an ashtray behind the console. Passengers can use the gripsto help keep Full the door to open it. To remove it, their balance over rough roads or during Pull the door to open the ashtray.To press the tab and pull it out. sharp turns. remove it, push down on the part marked “PUSH” at the back, then pull it out.

Don’t put papers and other things that bum into your ashtray.If you do, cigarettes or other smoking materials could set them on fire, causing damage.

When you are done using the ashtray, push it back to close it. l Cigarette Lighter To use the ligher, push the lighter in all the way and let go. When it’s ready, it will pop back by itself. The lighter won’t work if the key is in “LOCK.” NOTICE: Don’t hold a cigarette lighter in with your hand while it is heating. If you do, it won’t be able to back away from the heating element when it’s ready. That can make it overheat, damaging the lighter and the heating element.

69 ... Features and Controls

...70 lnstrument Panel 1. Side Window Defogger Vents 8. Hazard Warning Flashers 15. Shift Lever 2. Brightness Control 9. Glove Box 16. Lighter 3. Turn Signamights ControllHeadlight 10. Comfort Control System 17. Cruise Control Beam Lever 11. Audio System 18. Ignition Switch 4. Instrument Cluster 12. Cupholder 19. Horn 5. Windshield Wiper Control 13. Ashtray 20. Tilt Wheel Lever 6. Windshield Washer Button 14. Coinholder 21. Hood Release 7. Rear Window Defogger 22. Electric Mirror Control

71 ... Features and Controls

Instrument Panel and you’ll need to know to drive safely and Speedometer and Odometer economically. Your speedometer lets you see your speed Clusters If you have the optional cluster, your in both miles per hour (mph) and Your instrument cluster is designedto let instrument panel givesyou additional kilometers per hour (km/h). Your you know at a glance how your vehicle is information. The cluster includesa odometer showshow far your vehicle has running. You’ll know how fast you’re tachometer. been driven, in miles. going, about how much fuel you have left in your fuel tank and manyother things

I .72 Trip Odometer Tachometer NOTICE: The trip odometer can tellyou how far The tachometer shows engine speedin I I your vehicle has been driven since you thousands of revolutions per minute Do not operate the engine with the last set the trip odometerto zero. (rpm). tachometer in the red area, or engine To set the trip odometer to zero, press the damageoccur. may I knob.

73 ... Features and Controls be a problem, check the section that tells Warning Lights, Gages you what to do about it. Please follow the and Indicators manual’s advice. Waiting todo repairs This section describesthe warning lights can be costly - and even dangerous.So and gages thatmay be on your vehicle. please get to know your warning lights The pictures will helpyou locate them. and gages. They’re a big help. Warning lights and gages can signal that something is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to your warning lights and gages could also save you or others from injury. Warning lights go on when theremay be Fuel Gage or is a problem with one of your vehicle’s Your fuel gage shows abouthow much functions. As you will see in the details fuel is in your tank. The fuel gage works on the next few pages, some warning only when the ignition switch is “ON.’’ lights come on briefly when youturn the When the gage first indicates“E,” you ignition key just to let you know they’re still have a little fuel left (about oneor working. If you are familiar with this two gallons), but you need to get more section, you should not be alarmed when right away. this happens. Here are four concerns some owners have Gages can indicatewhen there may be or had about the fuel gage. All these is a problem with oneof your vehicle’s situations are normal and do not indicate functions. Often gages and warning lights that anything is wrong with the fuel gage. work together to let you know when 0 At the gas station, the fuel pump shuts there’s a problem with your vehicle. off before the gage reads“F?’ When one of the warning lights comes on 0 It takes more (or less) fuel to fill up and stays on when you are driving, or than the gage reads. For example, the when one of the gages shows theremay gage readshalf full, but it took more

...74 (or less) than half of the tank’s closer to the floor. It may take longer to capacity to fill it. stop, If the light isstill on, or if the The gage moves a little when you anti-lock brake system warning light is turn, stop or speed up. flashing, have the vehicle towed for service. (See “Anti-Lock Brake System When you turn the engine off, the Warning Light” and “Towing Your gage doesn’t go back to“E.” Vehicle” in the Index.)

Brake System WarningLight Your Geo’s hydraulic brake system is divided into two parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you need both parts working well. If the warning light comes on, there could be a brake problem. Have your brake system inspected rightaway. This 1ight.should comeon as you start the The brake system warning light willalso vehicle. If’itdoesn’t come onthen, have it come on when you set your parking fixed so it will be readyto warn you if brake, and it will stay on if your parking there’s a problem. brake doesn’t releasefully. If it stays on If the light comes on whileyou are after your parking brake is fully released, driving, pull off the road and stop it means you have a brake problem. carefully. You may notice that the pedal is harder to push. Or, the pedal maygo

75 ... Features and Controls See “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index.)

Mi-Lock Brake System Warning inti-Lock Brake System Active Light Aght (Option) ,Option) Mith anti-lock, this light will come on Nhen your anti-lock system is adjusting vhen you start your engine andit will )rake pressureto help avoid a braking ;tay onfor three seconds. That’s normal. Lf the anti-lock brake system warning ;kid, the “ABS ACTIVE’ light will come light stays on longer than normal after .f the light doesn’t comeon, have it fixed In. Slippery road conditions may exist if you’ve started your engine,turn the .his light comes on,so adjust your driving 10 it will be ready to warn you if there’s.a ignition off. Or, if the light comes onand Iroblem. iccordingly. The light will stay onfor a stays on when you’redriving, stop as Few seconds after the system stops :f the light flashes while you’redriving, soon as possible and turnthe ignition off. idjusting brake pressure. The“ABS v‘ou don’t have anti-lock brakes aqd Then start the engine againto reset the 4CTIVE”’light. will also come on briefly, .here’s a problem with your regular system. If the light still stayson, or comes %sa bulb check, when the engine is )rakes. Pulloff the road and stop on again while you’redriving, your Geo jtarted. :arefully. You may notice that the pedalis needs service.If the light is on but not larder to push. Or, the pedal maygo flashing and the regular brake system :loser to the floor. It may take longerto warning light isn’t on, youstill have stop. Have the vehicle towedfor service. brakes, but you don’t have anti-lock brakes.

... /b have a problem with thefuse or bulb. Have it fixed right away. Sometimes when the engine is idling at a stop, the light may blink on and off. This is normal. If you make a hard stop, the light may come on for a moment. This is normal.

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage Engine Oil Pressure Light This gage shows the engine coolant If you have a problem with your oil, this temperature. If the gage pointer moves light may stay on after you start your into the red area, your engine is too hot! It engine, or come on when you are driving. means that your engine coolant has This indicates that there is not enough oil overheated. If you have been operating pressure to keep yourengine properly your vehicle under normaldriving lubricated and cool. The engine couldbe conditions, you should pull off the road, low on oil, or have some other oil related stop your vehicle andturn off the engine problem. Have it fixed right away. as soon as possible. NOTICE: The oil light couldalso come on in three I I other situations. HOT COOLANT CAN BURN YOU Damage to your engine from BADLY! When the ignition is on but the engine neglected oil problems canbe costly is not running, the light will come on and is not covered by your warranty. In “Problems on the Road,” this manual I as a test to show you it is working, but I shows what to do. See “Engine the light willgo out when you turn the Overheating” in the Index. ignition to “START.” If it doesn’t come on with the ignitionon, you may

77. . Features and Controls NOTICE: If you keep driving your vehicle with this light on, aftera while the emission controls won’t work as well, your fuel economy won’t be as good and your engine may not run as smoothly. This could leadto costly repairs not coveredby your warranty.

Charging System Light Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check This light will comeon briefly when you Engine Light) turn on the ignition, butthe engine is not A computer monitors operation of your running, as a check to show youit is fuel, ignition and emission control working. Then it shouldgo out when the systems. This light should come onwhen engine starts. If it stays on, or comes on the ignition is turned on, but the enginei: while you are driving, you may have a not running, as acheck to show you it is problem with the electrical charging working. If it does not come on at all, system, It could indicate that you havea have it fixed right away. If it stays on, or loose generator drive beltor another comes on while you are driving, the electrical problem. Haveit checked right computer is indicating thatyou have a away. Driving while this lightis on could problem. You should take your vehiclein drain your battery. for service soon. If you must drive a short distance with the charging system light on,be certain to turn off all your accessories, such asthe radio and air conditioner.

...78 herdrive Off Light Rear Window Defogger Light Door Warning Light .f you have an automatic transaxle with rhis light will comeon whenever the rear This light stays on if any door is not herdrive, this light appears on your window defogger is on. See “Rear completely closed. The light shouldalso nstrument cluster. The light will come on Window Defogger” in the Index. come on briefly when you turn your key whenever you turn off the Overdrive. to “START.” If the light doesn’t come on as it should, have it fixed.

79. . Notes

...80 Part 3 Comfort Controls& Audio Systems

Comfort Controls ...... 82 Heater Controls ...... 82 Air Conditioner Controls ...... 83 RearWindow Defogger ...... 84 Flow-Through Ventilation System ...... 84 4udioSystems ...... 85 Inthis part you'll find out howto Settingtheclock ...... 86 operate the comfort control AMFMStereo ...... 86 systems and audio systems AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player ...... 87 offered with your GeoBe sure AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player ...... 91 . UnderstandingRadio Reception ...... 95 to read about the particular Care of Your Cassette Tape Player ...... 95 system supplied with your Care of Your Compact Discs ...... 96 vehicle . Antenna ...... 96

81 . . Comfort Controls -nd Audio Systems wj: This position directs the airflow Heating toward the floor. 1. For the quickest results, move the air 9. ~9: This position directs the airflow intake lever to- . toward the t’loor, the windshield and the 2. Turn the airflow knob to side windows. -2 . Turn the temperature knob clockwise : This position directs the airflow to 3. 9 for warmer air. the windshield and side windows. 4. Turn the fan knob toward “HI.” Fan Knob 5. You should switch to &b once in a Turn the knob away from “OFF” to turn while to avoid stale air and cloudy the heating system on. Turn the knob windows. toward “HI” to increase the fan’sspeed. Comfort Controls Bi-Level With this sytem you can controlthe Temperature Knob You may want to use bi-level on cool, but heating and ventilation in your Geo. If Turn the knob to change the temperature sunny days. This setting directs outside you have the air conditioning option, you of the air flowing fromthe system. Turn air toward your body and warmer air can also control cooling. the knob clockwise to increase the toward your feet. Your vehicle also has the flow-through temperature. Turn the knob counter- 1. Movethe air intakelever to . ventilation system described laterin this clockwise to decrease the temperature. 2. Turn the airflow knob to . section. The air temperature can’t be less than the cs outside air temperature. 3. Turn the temperature knobto the Heater Controls white area. Air Intake Lever 4. Turn the fan knob toward“HI.” Airflow Knob Choose this position to recirculate 6. e: 9 : This position directs the airflow the inside air through the comfort control through the instrument panel vents. system. c2 : This position directs the airflow : Choose this position to circulate through the instrument panel vents and outside air through the comfort control toward the floor. system. ...82 Ventilation Cooling For mild the outside temperatures, when The air conditioner works best if you keep very little heating is required, you canstill your windows closed. On very hot days, direct outside air through your vehicle. open the windowsjust long enough for 1. Move the air intake lever to -. the hot air toescape. 2. Turn the airflow knob to &> . 1. Push the “NC” button. 3. Turn the temperature knob to a 2. Move the air intake lever to-for comfortable setting. normal cooling. For faster cooling move the lever to 4. Turn the fan knob toward “HI.” e. 3. Turn the airflow knob to *> . Defogging and Defrosting 4. Turn the temperature control knob Windows Air Conditioner Controls(OPTION) counterclockwise. The air conditioning system uses thesame 5. Turn the fan knob to “HI.” 1. Move the air intake lever to controls as the heating system.The 2. Turn the airflowknob to to function of each control is explained Dehumidifying direct air to the windshield vents. under “Heater Controls” in this part. The On days when it is raining or the humidity 3. Turn the temperature knob clockwise. incoming air is cooled and dehumidified instead of being heated. is high, follow these dehumidifying steps 4. Turn the fan knob toward “HI.” instead of the coolingdirections. It will NC: Push this button to change your When the windshield is clear, turn down help clean windows that are cloudy with comfort control system from heating to the fan speed. moisture. air conditioning. A light will come on To defog the side windows, turn the when the air conditioning is on. The 1. Push the “NC”button. airflow knob to cj.If you have the air “NC” button can also control the 2. Move the air intake lever to=. conditioning option, push the “NC” humidity in your vehicle. 3. Turn the airflow knob to button for quicker defogging. w. 4. Turn the fan knob to “HI.” 5. Adjust the temperature knob to a comfortable setting.

83 ... Comfort Controls andAudio Systems Do not attach anything likea temporary dehicle license or a decal across the lefogger grid onthe rear window. NOTICE: Don’t use a razor blade or something else sharp on the insideof the rear window. If you do, you could cut or damage the warming grid, and the repairs wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Rear Window Defogger(opmv) Vow-Through Ventilation rhe rear window defogger usesa ;ystem warming grid to remove fog fromthe rear !our Geo’s flow-through ventilation window. ystem supplies outside air into the Press the switch to turn on the defogger. fehicle when it is moving. Outside air The defogger will stay on for about vi11 also enter the vehicle when the heater 14 minutes, then will shut off Ir the air conditioning fan is running and mtomatically. You can also turn it off by he air intake lever is at-. xessing the switch again. Use it only when the engine is running. Make sure you turn the defogger off when the window is clear. Leaving the defogger on For a long time could cause the battery to run down, especially during stop and go driving. The defogger is not designed for drying water or melting snow.

...84 Audio Systems NOTICE: Your Delco@audio system has been designed to operate easily and give years Before you add any sound equipment of listening pleasure. But you will get the to your vehicle - like a tape player, most enjoyment out ofit if you acquaint CB radio, mobile telephone or yourself with it first. Find out what your two-way radio - be sure you can Delco@ system cando and how to operate add what you want. If you can, it’s all its controls, to be sure you’re getting very important todo it properly. the most outof the advanced engineering Added sound equipment may inter- that went into it. fere with the operation of your I vehicle’s engine, DelcoB radio or Ventilation Tips other systems, and even damage them. And, your vehicle’s systems Keep the hood andfront air inlet free may interfere with the operation of of ice, snow, or any other obstruction sound equipment that has been added (such as leaves). The heater and improperly. defroster will work far better, reducin, So, before adding sound equipment, the chance of fogging the inside of check with your dealer and be sure to your windows. check Federal rules covering mobile When you enter a vehicle in cold radio and telephone units. weather, move the fan lever toward “HI” for a few moments before driving off. This helps clear the intakc 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 vehicle. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems Setting the Clock AM/FM Stereo 1. Press and hold “RCL” (TIME SET). At the same time, press and hold “TUNE 4” (HR) until the correct hour appears. 2. Press and hold “RCL” (TIME SET). At the same time press and hold “TUNE b” (MIN) until the correct minute appears. AM/F” Stereo with CassetteTape Player 1. Press and hold “RCLPROG” (TIME SET). At the same time, press and hold “TUNE 4” (HR) until the correct hour appears. 2. Press and hold “RCLPROG” (TIME SET). At the same time press and hold “TUNE b” (MIN) until the AMIFM Stereo nne:Press “TUNE b” or “TUNE 4” correct minute appears. To Play the Radio to go to a higher or lower station. Press Turn the “ONNOL” knob to turn the and hold to continue tuning and release AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape when you find your station. The display and Compact Disc Player system on or off. Volume: Turn the “ONNOL” knob to will show the frequency of each station 1. Press and hold “RCL VA” (TIME tuned. SET). At the same time, press and adjust the volume. hold “TUNE 4” (HR) until the Finding a Station Seek: Press “SEEK b” or “SEEK 4” correct hour appears. Band: Press “AM-FM’ to get AM or and the radio will tuneto the next higher 2. Press and hold “RCL VA” (TIME FM. The lighted display shows your or lower station and stay there. SET). At the same time press and selection. hold “TUNE b” (MIN) until the correct minute appears. . .86 Pushbuttons: The six pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. To set the pushbuttons for up to 12 stations RADIO (6 AM and 6 FM), just: 1. Tune in the station. PRESET 2. Press and hold one of the pushbuttons for at least two seconds. The sound will go away for a second and will return when the station is stored. Repeat these steps for each pushbutton. Setting the Tone Treble: Turn the “TREB” knob tothe right to hear more treble. Bass: Turn the “BASS” control behind the “TREB” knob to the rightto hear more bass. Adjusting the Speakers Fade: Turn the “FADE’ knob to move AMIFM Stereo with Cassette ’hne: Press “TUNE F” or “TUNE 4’ the sound between the front and rear Tape Player to go to higher or lower stations. Press speakers. and hold to continue tuning and release Balance: Turn the ‘‘BAL” control To Play the Radio when you find your station. The display behind the “FADE’ knob to move the Turn the “ONNOL” knob to turn the will show the frequency of each station sound between the left and right system on or off. tuned. speakers. Volume: Turn the “ONNOL” knob to Seek: Press “SEEK b” or “SEEK 4” Recall adjust the volume. and the radio will tune to the next higher Press “RCL” to see the station being Band: Press “AM-FM” to get AM, FM1 or lower station and staythere. played for a moment. ‘Or, press it if you or FM2. The lighted display shows your want to see the time when the ignition is selection. off. 87 ... Comfort Controls and Audio Systems Pushbuttons: The six pushbuttons let you ettings designed for “ROCK,” “NEWS,” ’he longer side withthe tape visible return to your favorite stations. To set the ‘POP,”‘‘JAZZ” and “CLASSICAL.” hould face to the right. If you hear pushbuttons for up to 18 stations (6 AM, ‘ROCK” will appear whenyou first press lothing or hear just a garbled sound, it 6 FM1and 6 FM2), just: ‘TONE SELECT.” Each time you press nay not be in squarely. Press“,A7’ to 1. Tune in the station. t, another setting will appear onthe emove the tape and start over. 2. Press and hold one of the pushbuttons lisplay. Press it after “CLASSICAL” and hce the tape is playing, use the knobs for more than two seconds. The sound one control will be backto the treble and or volume, fade and balance,just as you will go away for a second and will )ass knobs. €0 for radio. The lighted arrows show return when the station is stored. which side of the tape is playing. hdjusting the Speakers Repeat these stepsfor each pushbutton. Metal Tapes: Your bias is set Fade: Turn the “FADE” knobto move the Preset Scan:Press the “PRESET SCAN” mtomatically. Whena metal or chrome sound between thefront and rear button to hear each of your preset stations [ape is inserted, “MTL” will appear theon for a few seconds. When you wantto stop speakers. display. at a chosen station, press “PRESET Balance: Turn the “BAL” control behind Fast Forward: Press “FF” to advance SCAN” again. he “FADE’ knob to move the sound *apidlyto another partof the tape. Press letween the right and left speakers. ‘FF,” “RCLPROG’ or “mA” to return to Setting theTone ?laying speed. Recall Treble: Turn the “TREB” knobto the Rewind: Press “REW’ to reverse the tape right to hear more treble. Press “RCL” to see the station being rapidly. Press “REW,” “RCLRROG’ or played for a moment. Or, press itif you Bass: Turn the“BASS” control behindthe ‘‘.A’’ to return to playing speed. want to see the time when the ignition is “TREB” knob to the right to hear more Next Selection: Press “NEXT” to go bass. off. forward to the beginningof the next selection. Press“NEXT” ‘again or press Treble and bass cannot be adjusted To Play a CassetteTape manually when “TONE SELECT” is on. “RCLPROG’ or “.A” to cancel this Your tape player is built to work bestwith function. Loud: To increase the bass tone at low tapes that are 30 to 45 minutes long on volumes, press the“LOUD’ button. For “NEXT.” to work properly, your tape each side. Tapes longer than that areso must have at least three or four secondsof Tone Select: Press “TONE SELECT” to thin they may not work well in this playel silence between each selection. choose preset treble and bass equalization

..A8 Previous Selection:Press “PREV” to go Theft Deterrent Feature You are now ready to enter your security back to the beginning of the last selection. The theft detenent,.featurefor the AMPM :ode. Don’t wait more than 15 seconds Press “PREV” again or press stereo with cassette tape player can be between steps. “RCLPROG’ or “.A’, to cancel this used or ignored. If ignored, the system 5. Press “4 SEEK b” or ‘‘4 TUNE b” function. plays normally. If it is used, your system and “0000” will appear onthe Program: Press “RCLPROG” to switch won’t be usable if it’sever stolen. display. from one side of the tape to the other. 6. Press “SEEKI” and hold it until the Your cassette tape player can play Setting Your Security Code first digit of your code appears. continuously because the player has an The instructions below tell you how to Release the button. auto-reverse feature. enter a security code into the system. If 7. Press “SEEK and hold it until the Noise Reduction: Press @toremove ,” 00 your vehicle loses battery powerfor any second digitof your code appears. noise from Dolby@B NR-encoded tapes. reason, you must enter the security code Release the button. Dolby@B Noise Reduction manufactured again before the system will turn on. 8. Press 4’’ and hold it until the under license from Dolby Laboratories “TUNE 1. Write down any four-digit number and third digit of your code appears. Licensing Corporation. keep it in a safe place. Release the button. “Dolby@”and the @symbolare an 2. Turn on the ignition switch to the 9. Press “TUNE and hold it until the trademarks of Dolby Laboratories ,” “ACC” or “ON’ position. fourth digit of your code appears. Licensing Corporation. 3. Turn the audio system off. Release the button. Press to remove the tape Eject: “.A” 4. Press the “1” and “4” buttons together. IO. Press “AM-FM” after you have 1 and switch to radio. Hold them down until“- - - -” shows checked that the code you enteredis

~ Radio Monitor: Press the “RADIO on the display. the one you wrote down. “rEP” will ’ MNTR” button to hear the radio when appear in the display, which means

~ you are fast forwarding or reversing a you need to repeat steps 5 through 9. 1 cassette tape. You can use the “TUNE,” 11. Press “AM-FM”again and the “SEEK’ and “PRESET-SCAN” buttons display will now show “SEC.” while in the radio monitor mode.

89 ... Comfort Controls andAudio Systems How to Shut Off the Theft-Deterrent 5. Press the “TUNE ,”button and hold To Unlock the System Aftera Power Feature it until the fourth digitof your code Loss If your radio issec..,ed (“SEC” shows on appears. If power is disrupted to the radio while in the display) and you wish to disable it, 6. Press “AM-F”’ after you have the “SEC” mode, the unit will not work enter your security code as follows, checked that the code you entered and “LOC’ will show on the display pausing no more than 15 seconds between matches the one you wrote down. whenever the ignition is on. To unlock the steps: 6b__- -” should now appear in the unit: 1. Press “4 SEEK or TUNE b” 1. Press the “1” and “4” buttons together. display. ,”‘b4 Hold them down until “SEC” shows [f the code is correct, the radiowill now and “0000” will appear on the display. on the display. You are now ready to Dperate. If the code is wrong, “Err” will 2. Press the “SEEKq” button and hold it enter your security code. appear in the display. until the first digit of your code 2. Press the “SEEKI” button and hold it appears. until the first digit of your code 3. Press the “SEEK ,”button and hold it appears. until the second digitof your code 3. Press the “SEEK b” button and hold it appears. until the second digitof your code 4. Press the “TUNE 4’’ button and hold appears. it until the third digit of your code 4. Press the “TUNE 4” button and hold appears. it until the third digitof your code 5. Press the “TUNE b” button and hold appears. it until the fourth digitof your code appears. 6. Press “AM-FM”after you have checked that the code matches the one you wrote down. Now “SEC” will appear on the display.

...90 Seek: Press “SEEK b” or “SEEK 4” and the radio will tune to the next higher or lower station and staythere. Pushbuttons: The six pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. To set the pushbuttons for up to 18 stations (6 AM, 6 FMl and 6 FM2), just: 1. Tune in the station. 2. Press and hold one of the

LOU0 pushbuttons for more than two I seconds. The sound will go away for a second and will return when the station is stored. Repeat these steps for each pushbutton. Preset Scan:Press the “PSCAN’ button to hear each of your preset stations for a few seconds. When you want to stop at AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Finding a Station a chosen station, press “PSCAN’ again. Tape and Compact Disc p/ayer Band: Press “AM-FM” to get AM, FM 1 Setting theTone or FM2. The lighted display shows your Treble: Turn the “TREB” knob to the To Play the Radio selection. right to hear more treble. Turn the “ONNOL” knob to turn the ’lhne: Press and hold “TUNE b” or system on or off. Bass: Turn the“BASS” control behind “TUNE 4” to go to higher or lower the “TREB” knob to the right to hear Volume: Turn the “ONNOL,” knob to stations. Release when you find your more bass. adjust the volume. station. The display will show the frequency of each station tuned. Loud: To increase the bass tone at low volumes, press the “LOUD” button.

91 . . Comfort Controls andAudio Systems Tone Select: Press “TONE SELECT” to :ach side. Tapes longer than that areso Previous Selection: Press “PRV’ to go choose preset treble and bass equalization hin they may not work well inthis player. back to the beginningof the last selection. settings designed for “ROCK,” “NEWS,” rhe longer side with the tape visible Press “PRV” again or press “RCLVA” or “POP,” “JAZZ” and “CLASSICAL.” ;hould face to the right.If you hear ”STOP” to cancel this function. “ROCK’ will appear when you first press lothing or hear just a garbled sound, it For “NXT” and “PRV’ to work properly, “TONE SELECT.” Each time you press nay not be in squarely. Press“STOF’” or your tape must have at least threeor four it, another setting will appear onthe ‘EJECT” to remove the tape andstart seconds of silence between each display. Press it after “CLASSICAL,” and wer. selection. tone control will be back theto treble and 3nce the tape is playing, usethe knobs Repeat: Press “FWT” to go to the bass knobs. ror volume, fade and balance, just as you beginning of the selection and playit io for radio. The lighted arrowsshow again. Press “RPT”again to cancel this Adjusting the Speakers which side of the tapeis playing. function. Fade: Turn the “FADE’ knob to move the Metal Tapes: Your bias is set Noise Reduction:Press 00 @toremove sound between the front and rear automatically. When a metal or chrome noise from Dolby@€3 NR-encoded tapes. speakers. tape is inserted, “MTL” will appear on the Dolby@B Noise Reduction manufactured Balance: Turn the “BAL” control behind display. under license from Dolby Laboratories the “FADE’ knob to move the sound Fast Forward: Press “FF” to advance Licensing Corporation. between the right and left speakers. rapidly to another part of the tape. Press “Dolby@”and the00 @ symbol are “FF,” “RCLIA” or “STOP” to return to trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Recall playing speed. Licensing Corporation. Press “RCLIA” to see the station being Rewind: Press “REW’ to reverse the tape Radio Monitor:When playing a tape, played for a moment. Or, pressit if you rapidly. Press “REW,” “RCLIA” or press “RDM’ during “FF” or “REW’ to want to see the time when the ignition is “STOP” to return to playing speed. hear the radio. Press “RDM’ again to turn Off. Next Selection: Press “NXT’ to go the radio off. During “RDM’ operation, forward to the beginningof the next only “TUNE,” “SEEK” and “PSCAN” To Play a CassetteTape selection. Press “NXT” again or press will work. Your tape player is built to work best with “RCLVA” or “STOP”to cancel this Tape Sides: Press “RCLVA” to switch tapes that are 30 to 45 minutes long on function. from one sideof the tapeto the other.

. . -92 1 Stop: Press “STOP” to stop the tape and Previous ’hack: Press “PRV” to hear a it stopped. Press “AM-FM”to cancel CD switch to radio. track again. If you hold this button, or operation and listento the radio. Eject: Press “EJECT” to remove the tape press it more than once, thedisc will stop: return to previous tracks. and switch to radio. CD-Tape: Press “CD-Tape” to switch Next ’hack: Press “NXT” to hear the between playing a tape and a CD when To Play a Compact Disc next track now (instead of waiting until both are inserted. the present track isfinished). Don’t use the mini-discs (3’’ singles). Eject: Press “EJECT” to eject the disc They won’t eject. Use full-size compact If you hold this button,or press it more and the radio will play. The disc will start discs. than once, thedisc will advance further. playing at track1 when you reinsert it. Insert your disc into the CD slot on your Rewind: Press and hold“REW’ to return audio system. rapidly to a favorite passage. Release it to Special Eject If the disc comes back out, it could be play the passage. If you choose, you can eject only the tape that: Fast Forward:Press and hold “F’F” to or CD when you have both a CD and a 0 The disc is upside down. advance quickly withina track. Release it tape in your audio system. to resume playing. It is dirty, scratched, or wet. CD Only: To eject only the CD, press Compression: Press “COMP” to make “EJECT” and then press“REW.’’ 0 There is too much moisture in the air. soft and loud passages more nearly equal Tape Only: To eject only the tape, (If there is, wait about one hour and in volume. try again.) press “EJECT” and then press “PRY” Repeat: Press “RPT”once to hear a If you see “Err” on the display, thedisc selection over again. Theft Deterrent Feature player is too hot to play the disc. Press “RCLVA” to take “Err” off the display. Random: Pressing “RDM’ will cause the The theft deterrent feature for the AI” CD player to play the tracks back in stereo with cassette tape and compactdisc Track Number and Playing Time:Press random order. To cancel the random player can be used or ignored. If ignored, “RCLVA” to see which track is playing. feature, press “RDM,” “STOP’ or “RPT.” the system plays normally.If it isused, Press it again within five seconds to see your system won’tbe usable if it’s ever how long it has been playing. Stop: Press “STOP” to stop playing the disc and switch to radio. Press “STOP” stolen. The track number also appears when the again to restart the disc at the point where disc is inserted or you change the volume.

93 ... Comfort Controls and AudioSystems Setting Your Security Code 8. Press “TUNE 4” and hold it until the 3. Press the “SEEK b” button and hold it third digit of your code appears. until the second digitof your code The instructions belowtell you how to appears. enter a security code into the system. If Release the button. your vehicle loses battery powerfor any 9. Press “TUNE b” and hold it until the 4. Press the ‘‘TUNE 4’button and hold reason, you must enter the security code fourth digitof your code appears. it untilthe third digit of your code again beforethe system will turn on. Release the button. appears. 1. Write down any four-digit number and IO. Press “AM-FM” after you have 5. Press the “TUNE b” button and hold keep it in a safe place. checked that the codeyou entered is it until the fourth digit of your code appears. 2. Turn on the ignition switch to the the one you wrote down. “rEP” will “ACC” or “ON’ position. appear in the display, which means 6. Press “AM-FM”after you have you need to repeat steps 5 through 9. checked that the code you entered 3. Turn the audio system off. dl. Press “AM-FM”again and the matches the one you wrote down. 4. Press the “1” and “4” buttons together. display will now show “SEC.” 64- - - -” should now appear in the Hold them down until“- - - -” shows display. on the display. How to Shut Off the Theft-Deterrent If the code is correct, the radio willnow You are now ready to enter your security Feature operate. If the code is wrong, “Err” will code. Don’t wait more than 15 seconds If your radio is secured (“SEC” shows on appear in the display. between steps. the display) and you wishto disable it, 5. Press “4 SEEK b” or “4 TUNE b” enter your security codeas follows, To Unlock the System Aftera Power and “0000” will appear on the pausing no more than 15 seconds between LOSS display. steps: If power is disrupted to the radio while in 6. Press “SEEKd” and hold it until the 1. Press the “1” and “4” buttons together. the “SEC” mode, the unit will not work first digit of your code appears. Hold them down until “SEC” shows and “LOC” will show on the display Release the button. on the display. You are now ready to whenever the ignitionis on. To unlock the enter your security code. unit: 7. Press “SEEK b” and hold it until the 1. Press “4 SEEK b” or “4 TUNE b” second digit of your code appears. 2. Press the “SEEK+” button and hold it and “0000” will appear onthe display. Release the button. until the first digit of your code appears.

...94 2. Press the “SEEK4” button and hold it Understanding Radio Reception until the first digitof your code appears. FM Stereo 3. Press the “SEEKF” button and holdit FM stereo will give you the best sound. until the second digitof your code But FM signals will reach only about10 appears. to 40 miles ( 16 to 65 km). And, tall 4. Press the “TUNE4” button and hold buildings or hills can interfere withFM it until the third digit of your code signals, causing the sound to come and appears. go. 5. Press the “TUNEb” button and hold it until the fourth digit of your code AM appears. The range for mostAM stations is greater Care of Your Cassette Tape 6. Press “AM-FM’ after you have than for FM, especially at night. The checked that the code matches the one longer range, however, can cause stations Player you wrote down. Now “SEC” will to interfere with each other. AM can pick A tape player that is not cleaned regularly appear on the display. up noise from things like storms and can cause reduced sound quality, ruined power lines. Try reducing the treble to cassettes, or a damaged mechanism. reduce this noise if you ever get it. Cassette tapes should be storedin their cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight, and extreme heat. If they aren’t, they may not operate properly or cause failure of the tape player. Your tape player should be cleaned regularly each month or after every 15 hours of use. If you notice a reduction in sound quality, try a known good cassette to see if the tape orthe tape player is at fault. If this other cassette hasno improvement in sound quality, clean the tape player. 95 ... Comfort Controls andAudio Systems Clean your tape player witha wiping-action, non-abrasive cleaning cassette, and follow the directions provided with it. Cassettes are subject to wear andthe sound quality may degrade over time. Always make sure thatthe cassette tape is in good condition before you have your tape player serviced.

Care of Your Compact Discs Antenna 3andle discs carefully. Store themin thei Use the knob on the endof the antenna to Iriginal cases or other protective cases raise the antenna.To lower it, hold the tnd away from direct sunlight and dust. antenna mast near theroof and feed it into 'f the surface of a disc is soiled, dampen the holder. Do not try to lower the antenna 1 clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral using the knob. Keep the antenna mast ietergent solution and cleanit, wiping clean for good performance. iom the center to theedge. Always lower the antenna before entering 3e sure never to touch the signalsurface a car wash. when handling discs. Pick up discs by grasping the outer edgesor the edge of he hole and the outer edge.

...96 . Part 4 Your Driving and the Road

1 Here you^ find information DefensiveDriving ...... 98 about driving on different kinds DrunkenDriving ...... 98 of roads andin varying weather Control of a Vehicle ...... 100 conditions. We’ve also included DrivingatNight ...... 106 many other useful tipson Driving in the Rain ...... 107 driving . CityDriving ...... 108 Freeway Driving ...... 109 Hill and Mountain Roads ...... 111 Winter Driving ...... 112 Towing a Trailer ...... 114

97 ... Your Driving and the Road Defensive Driving Drunken Driving The Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)of someone who is drinking dependsupon The best advice anyone can give about Death and injury associated with drinking four things: driving is: Drive defensively. and driving is a national tragedy. It’s the 0 How much alcohol is in the drink. Please start with a very important safety number one contributor to the highway device in your Geo: Buckleup. (See death toll, claiming thousands of victims 0 The drinker’s body weight. “Safety Belts” in the Index.) every year. Alcohol takes away three 0 The amount of food that is consumed things that anyone needs todrive a before and during drinking. Defensive driving really means “be ready vehicle: for anything.” On city streets, rural roads, e The length of time it has taken the or freeways, it means “always expectthe 0 Judgment drinker to consume the alcohol. unexpected.” 0 MuscularCoordination Assume that pedestrians or other drivers 0 Vision .are going to be careless and make Police records show that almosthalf of mistakes. Anticipate what they might do. all motor vehicle-related deaths involve Be ready for their mistakes. alcohol - a driver, a passenger or Rear-end collisions are aboutthe most someone else, such as a pedestrian, had preventable of accidents. Yet they are been drinking. In most cases, these common. Allow enough following deaths are the resultof someone who distance. It’s the best defensivedriving was drinking and driving. About20,000 maneuver, in both city and rural driving. motor vehicle-related deaths occur each You never know when the vehicle infront year because of alcohol, and thousands of you is going to brake or turn suddenly. of people are injured. Just how much alcohol is too muchif a person plans to drive? Ideally,no one should drink alcohol and then drive. But if one does, then what’s “too much”?It can be a lot less than many might think. Although it depends on each person and situation, here is some general information on the problem. Dr””””G THAT WILL But it’s very important to keep in mind RESLm uum A BAG OF ;O5% that the ability to drive is affected well IN THE TIME SHOWN below a BAC of 0.10 percent. Research shows that the drivingskills of many people are impaired at a BAC approaching 0.05 percent, and that the effects are worse at night. All drivers are impaired at BAC levels above0.05 percent. Statistics show that the chance of being in an accidentincreases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of 0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level of According to the American Medical 0.06 percent (three beers in one hour for a Association, a 180-pound (82 kg) person 180-pound or 82 kg person) has doubled who drinks three 12-ounce (355 ml) his or her chanceof having an accident. bottles of beer inan hour will end up with At a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the a BAC of about 0.06 percent. The person rhe law in most U.S. states sets the legal imit at a BAC of 0.10 percent. In Canada chance of that driver having an accident is would reach the same BAC by drinking six times greater; at a level of 0.15 three 4-ounce (1 20 ml)glasses of wine or he limit is 0.08 percent, and in some Ither countries it’s lower than that. The percent, the chances are twenty-five times three mixed drinks if each had 1- 1/2 3AC will be over0.10 percent after three yeater! And, the body takes aboutan ounces (45 ml)of a liquor like whiskey, lour to rid itself of the alcohol inone gin or vodka. o six drinks (in one hour). Of course, as ve’ve seen, it depends on how much Irink. No amount of coffee or number of I It’s the amount of alcohol that counts. For lcohol is in the drinks, and how quickly :old showers will speedthat up. example, if the same person drank three he person drinks them. ‘1’11 be careful” isn’t the right answer. double martinis (3 ounces or 90 ml of Nhat if there’s an emergency,a need to liquor each) within an hour, the person’s ake sudden action, as whena child darts BAC would beclose to 0.12 percent. A nto the street? A person with a higher person who consumesfood just before or 3AC might not be able to react quickly during drinking will havea slightly lower nough to avoid the collision. BAC level.

99 ... Your Driving and the Road There’s something else about drinking Braking and driving that many people don’tknow. Medical research showsthat alcohol in a 3raking action involvespe time person’s system can makecrash injuries tnd reaction m. worse. That’s especially truefor brain, ?irst, you haveto decide to push on the spinal cord and heartinjuries. That means )rake pedal. That’s perception time. Then that if anyone who has been drinking - IOU have to bring up your foot and do it. driver or passenger- is in a crash, the fiat’s reaction time. chance of being killed or permanently 4veragereaction is about 314 of a disabled is higher thanif that person had second. But that’s only an average. It not been drinking. And we’ve already might be less with one driver and as long seen that the chanceof a crash itself is 2s two or three seconds or more with higher for drinking drivers. Control of a Vehicle mother. Age, physical condition, dertness, coordination, and eyesightall You have three systems that make your play a part. So do alcohol, drugs and vehicle go whereyou want it to go. They frustration. But even in3/4 of a second, a are the brakes, the steering and the vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) accelerator. All three systems have todo travels 66 feet (20 m). That couldbe a lot their work at the places where the tires of distance in an emergency, so keeping meet the road. enough space between your vehicle and Sometimes, as when you’re driving on others is important. snow or ice, it’s easy to ask moreof those And, of course, actual stopping distances control systems than the tiresand road vary greatly with thesurface of the road can provide. That means you canlose (whether it’s pavement or gravel);the control of your vehicle. condition of the road (wet,dry, icy); tire tread; and the conditionof your brakes. Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts - heavy acceleration followedby heavy braking -rather than keeping pace with traffic. . . .IO0 This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out muchfaster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means better braking and longer brake life. If your engine ever stops while you’re driving, brake normally but don’t pump your brakes. If you do, the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine stops, md this light on the instrument panelwil Here’s how anti-lock works, Let’s say the you will still have some power brake o on when you start your vehicle. road is wet. You’re driving safely. assist. But you will useit when you brake. Vhen you start your vehicle, or when yo[ Suddenly an animal jumps out in front of Once the power assist is used up, it may you. take longer tostop and the brake pedal egin to drive away, you may hear a will be harder to push. lomentary motor orclicking noise. And You slam on the brakes. Here’s what ou may even notice that your brake happens with ABS. Anti-lock Brakes (Option) edal moves a little while this is going on 4 computer senses that wheelsare ‘his is the ABS system testing itself.If If your Geo has this system, yourGeo has slowing down. If one of the wheels is lere’s a problem with the anti-lock brake 3bout to stop rolling, the computer will an advanced electronic braking system ystem, the anti-lock brake system that will help prevent skidding. separately work the brakes at eachfront taming light will stay on or flash. See wheel and at the rear wheels. If you have an anti-lock brake system Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light‘ The anti-lock system can changethe (ABS), the brake pedal will sayso. 1 the Index. xake pressure faster than any driver :odd. The computer is programmedto make the most of available tire and road conditions.

101 . < Your Driving andthe Road I 1working, or you may notice some noise, locking the wheels.If you hear or feel the 1but this is normal. When your anti-lock wheels sliding, ease off the brake pedal. system is adjusting brake pressure to help I’his will help you retain steeringcontrol. iavoid a braking skid, the “ABS ACTIVE” (If you & have anti-lock, it’s different: 1light will come on. See “Anti-Lock Brake see the Index under “Anti-Lock Brakes.”) I ISystem Active Light” in the Index. [n many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking. 1Braking in Emergencies At some time, nearly every driver gets Steering into a situation that requires hard braking. Power Steering (Option) f If you have anti-lock, you can steer and You can steer around theobstacle while brake at the same time. However,if you If you lose power steering assist because braking hard. don’t have anti-lock, yourfirst reaction - the engine stopsor the system is not to hit the brake pedal hard and hold it functioning, you can steer butit will take As you brake, your computer keeps much more effort. receiving updates on wheel speed and down - may be the wrong thing to do. controls braking pressure accordingly. Your wheels can stop rolling. Once they io, the vehicle can’t respondto your Steering Tips Remember: Anti-lock doesn’t change the !steering. Momentum will carryit in Driving on Curves time you need to get yourfoot up to the 1 whatever direction it was headed when It’s important to take curves ata brake pedal. If you get too close to the 1the wheels stopped rolling. That could be vehicle in front of you, you won’t have reasonable speed. (off the road, into thevery thing you were time to apply your brakesif that vehicle 1trying to avoid, or into traffic. A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents suddenly slows or stops. Always leave mentioned on the news happen on curves. enough room up ahead to stop, even If you don’t have anti-lock, usea Here’s why: though you have anti-lock brakes. “squeeze” braking technique.This will give you maximum braking while Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to the same lawsof physics To Use Anti-Lock maintaining steering control. You do this by pushing on the brake pedal with when driving on curves. The tractionof Don’t pump the brakes. Just holdthe steadily increasing pressure.In an the tires againstthe road surface makesit brake pedal down andlet anti-lock work emergency you will probably want to possible for the vehicleto change its path for you. You may feel the system “squeeze” the brakes hard without when you turn the front wheels.If there’s . . .IO2 no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle Speed limit signs near curveswarn that going in the same direction. If you’ve you should adjust your speed.Of course, ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, the posted speedsare based on good you’ll understand this. weather and road conditions. Underless The traction youcan get in a curve favorable conditions you’ll want to go depends on the conditionof your tires and slower. the road surface, the angle at which the If you need to reduce your speedas you curve is banked, and your speed. While approach a curve, do it before you enter you’re in a curve, speed is the one factor the curve, while your front wheels are you can control. straight ahead. Suppose you’re steering through a sharp Try to adjust your speedso you can curve. Then you suddenly apply the “drive” through the curve. Maintain a brakes - but, unless you have anti-lock, brakes. Both control systems - steering reasonable, steady speed.Wait to not enough to lock your wheels.It is and braking- have to dotheir work accelerate until you are out of the curve, better to removeas much speed as you where the tires meet the road. Unless you and then accelerate gentlyinto the can from a possible collision. Then steer have four-wheel anti-lock brakes, adding straightaway. around the problem, to the left or right the hard braking can demandtoo much of Steering in Emergencies depending on the space available. those places. You can lose control. There are times when steering canbe An emergency like this requires close The same thing can happen if you’re more effective than braking. For example, attention and a quick decision.If you are steering through a sharp curve and you you come over a hill and find a truck holding the steering wheel at the suddenly accelerate. Those two control stopped in yourlane, or a car suddenly recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, systems - steering and acceleration - pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts you can turn it a full 180 degrees very can overwhelm those places where the out from between parkedcars and stops quickly without removingeither hand. tires meet the road and make you lose right in front of you. You can avoid these But you haveto act fast, steer quickly, control. problems by braking - if you can stop in and just asquickly straighten the wheel What should youdo if this ever happens? time. But sometimes you can’t;there isn’t once you have avoided the object. Ease up on the brakeor accelerator pedal, room. That’s the time for evasive action The fact that such emergency situations steer the vehicle theway you want it to - steering around the problem. are always possibleis a good reason to go, and slow down. Your Geo can perform very well in practice defensive driving atall times and emergencies like these. First apply your wear safety belts properly.

103. I Your Driving and the Road Passing indicates it’sall right to pass

I (providing the road ahead is clear). The driver of a vehicle about to pass Never cross a solid line on your side another on a two-lane highway waits for of the lane or a double solidline, even just the right moment, accelerates, moves if the road seems emptyof around the vehicle ahead, then goes back approaching traffic. into the right lane again.A simple maneuver? 0 Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to pass while you’re awaitingan Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle opportunity. For one thing, following on a two-lane highway is a potentially too closely reduces your areaof dangerous move, since the passing vision, especially if you’re following a vehicle occupies the same lane as larger vehicle. Also,you won’t have oncoming traffic for several seconds. A adequate spaceif the vehicle ahead (Iff-Road Recovery miscalculation, an error in judgment, or a 7llou may find sometimethat your right suddenly slows or stops. Keep backa brief surrender to frustrationor anger can reasonable distance. \wheels have dropped off the edge of a suddenly put the passing driver face to r.oad onto the shoulder (A) while you’re face with the worst of all traffic accidents 0 When it looks like a chance to pass is driving. - the head-on collision. coming up, start to accelerate but stay in the right lane and don’t gettoo 11 F the level of the shoulder is only slightly So here are some tips for passing: blelow the pavement, recovery should be close. Time your moveso you will be 0 “Drive ahead.” Look downthe road, increasing speed as the time comes to fi airly easy. Easeoff the accelerator and to the sides, and to crossroads for tl hen, if there is nothing in the way, steer move into the other lane.If the way is situations that might affect your clear to pass, you will have a “running S o that your vehicle straddlesthe edge of passing patterns. If you have any tl he pavement. You can turn the steering start” that more than makes forup the doubt whatsoever about makinga distance you would loseby dropping V vheel up to 1/4 turn (B) until the right successful pass, waitfor a better time. f ront tire contacts the pavement edge. back. And if something happensto 1’hen turn your steering wheelto go 0 Watch for traffic signs, pavement cause you to cancel your pass,you need only slow down and drop back S traight down the roadway. markings, and lines. If you can see a sign up ahead that might indicatea again and wait for another turn or an intersection, delayyour opportunity. pass. A broken center line usually . .IO4 0 If other cars are lined up to pass a of you. Perhaps you can ease a little to A cornering skid and an acceleration skid

slow vehicle, wait your turn. But take the right. ~~~~~;!~~,~,are best handled by easing yourfoot off e;%.+vi:*;. . , !” 1: ,I p care that someone isn’t tryingto pass .. .? the accelerator pedal. you as youpull out to pass the slow Loss of Control If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your vehicle. Remember to glance over Let’s review what driving experts say foot off the accelerator pedal and quickly your shoulder and check the blind about what happens whenthe three steer the way you want the vehicle to go. spot. 2ontrol systems (brakes, steering and If you start steering quickly enough’, your 0 Check your mirrors,glance over your acceleration) don’t have enoughfriction vehicle may straighten out. Alwaysbe shoulder, and start your left lane where the tires meet the roadto do what ready for a second skidif it occurs. change signal before moving out of the driver has asked. Of course, traction is reduced when water, the right lane to pass. When you are In any emergency, don’t give up. Keep snow, ice, gravel,or other material is on far enough ahead of the passed vehicle trying to steer and constantly seek an the road. For safety, you’ll want to slow to see its frontin your inside mirror, escape routeor area of less danger. down and adjust your drivingto these activate your right lane change signal conditions. It is important to slow down and move backinto the right lane. Skidding on slippery surfaces because stopping (Remember that your right outside [n a skid, a driver can lose controlof the distance will be longer and vehicle mirror is convex. The vehicle youjust control more limited. passed may seem to be farther away vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid most from you than it really is.) skids by taking reasonable care suited to While driving ona surface with reduced zxisting conditions, and by not traction, try your best to avoid sudden 0 Try not to pass more than one vehicle “overdriving” those conditions. But skids steering, acceleration, or braking at a time on two-lane roads. we always possible. (including engine brakingby shifting to a Reconsider before passingthe next lower gear). Any sudden changes could vehicle. The three types of skids correspondto your Geo’s three control systems.In the cause the tires to slide. You may not 0 Don’t overtake a slowly moving braking skid your wheels aren’trolling. In realize the surface is slippery until your vehicle too rapidly. Even though the the steering or cornering skid, too much vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize brake lights are not flashing, it may be speed or steering in a curve causes tires to warning clues - such as enough water, slowing down or starting to turn. slip and lose cornering force. And in the ice or packed snow on the roadto make a 0 If you’re being passed, makeit easy acceleration skid too much throttle causes “mirrored surface” - and slow down for the following driver to get ahead ~e driving wheels to spin. when you have any doubt.

105 ... Your Driving and the Road F you have the anti-lock braking system, emember: It helps avoid onlythe braking kid. If you do not have anti-lock, thenin . braking skid (where the wheels are no onger rolling), release enough pressure m the brakes to get the wheels rolling lgain. This restores steering control. Push he brake pedal down steadily when you lave to stop suddenly. Aslong as the Night Vision wheels are rolling, youwill have steering No one can see as well at night as inthe :ontrol. davtime. But as we get older these differences increase: A 50-year-old driver II Driving at Night may require at least twice as muchlight to see the same thing at night aas Niight driving is more dangerous than day 20-year-old. riving. One reasonis that some drivers al re likely to be impaired- by alcohol or What you do in the daytime canalso dl mgs, with night vision problems, orby affect your night vision.For example, if fa@ye. you spend the day in bright sunshine you are wise to wear sunglasses.Your eyes H;ere are some tipson night driving. will have less trouble adjustingto night. Drive defensively. But if you’re driving, don’t wear Don’t drink and drive. sunglasses at night. Theymay cut down on glare from headlights, but they also Adjust your inside rearview mirrorto make a lot of things invisible. reduce the glare from headlights behind you. You can be temporarily blindedby approaching lights.It can take a second or Since you can’t see as well, you may two, or even several seconds,for your need to slow down and keep more eyes to readjust to the dark. When you are space between youand other vehicles. faced with severe glare (asfrom a driver who doesn’t lower the high beams,or a . . .IO6 vehicle with misaimed headlights), slow down a little. Avoid staring directly into the approaching lights. Keep your windshield and allthe glass on. your vehicle clean - inside and out. Glare at night is made much worse by dirt on the glass. Even theinside of the glass can build up a film caused by dust. Dirty glass makes lights dazzle and flash more than clean glass would, making the pupils of your eyes contract repeatedly. I Remember that your headlights light up It’s wise to keep your wiping equipment far less of a roadway when you arein a Driving in the Rain in good shape and keep your windshield turn or curve. Rain and wet roads can mean driving washer tank filled. Replace your Keep your eyes moving; that way, it’s trouble. On a wet road you can’t stop, windshield wiper inserts when they show easier to pick out dimly lighted objects. accelerate or turn as well because your signs of streakingor missing areas onthe Just as your headlights should be checked tire-to-road traction isn’t as good as on windshield, or when strips of rubber start regularly for proper aim, so should your dry roads. And, if yourtires don’t have to separate from the inserts. eyes be examined regularly. Some drivers much tread left, you’ll get evenless Driving too fast through large water suffer from night blindness - the traction. It’s always wise togo slower and puddles or even going through somejcar inability to see in dim light - and aren’t be cautious if rain starts to fall while you washes can cause problems, too. The even aware of it. we driving. The surface may get wet water may affect yourbrakes, Try to suddenly when your reflexes are tunedfor avoid puddles. But if you can’t,try to driving on dry pavement. slow down before you hit them. The heavier the rain, the harderit is to see. Even if your windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain can make it harder to see road signs and traffic signals, pavement markings, the edge of the road, and even people walking. 107 ... Your Driving and the Road Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. Therejust isn’t a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down when it is raining.

Some Other Rainy Weather Tips Turn on your low-beam headlights- not just your parking lights- to help make you more visible to others. Besides slowing down, allow some extra following distance.And be especially careful when you pass City Driving Hydropraning another vehicle. Allow yourself more clear room ahead, and be preparedto One of the biggest problems with city Hydroplaning is dangerous.So much have your view restricted by road streets is the amount of traffic on them. water can buildup under your tires that spray. You’ll want to watch out for what the they can actually ride on the water. This Have good tires with proper tread other drivers are doing and pay attention can happen if the roadis wet enough and to traffic signals. you’re going fast enough. When your depth. (See “Tires’’ in the Index.) vehicle is hydroplaning, it haslittle or no Here are ways to increase your safetyin contact with the road. city driving: Hydroplaning doesn’t happen often. But it Know the best way to get to where can if your tires haven’t much treador if you are going. Get a city map and plan the pressure in one or more is low. It can your trip into an unknown part of the happen if a lot of water is standing on the city just as you would for a road. If you can see reflections from trees, cross-country trip. telephone poles, or other vehicles, and Try to use the freeways that rim and raindrops “dimple” the water’ssurface, crisscross most large cities. You’ll there could be hydroplaning. save time and energy. (See the next section, “Freeway Driving.”)

. . .IO8 Treat a green light asa warning signal. begin to check traffic. Tryto determine A traffic light is there because the where you expect to blend with the flow. corner is busy enough to need it. Try to merge into the gap atclose to the When a light turns green, and just prevailing speed. Switch on your turn before you start to move, check both signal, check your mirrors and glance ways for vehicles that have not over your shoulder as often as necessary. cleared the intersectionor may be Try to blend smoothly with the traffic running the red light. flow. Once you are on the freeway, adjust your speed to the posted limitor to the prevailing rate if it’s slower. Stay in the right lane unlessyou want to pass. Freeway Driving Before changing lanes, check your Mile for mile, freeways (also called mirrors. Then use yourturn signal. thruways, parkways, expressways, Just before you leave the lane, glance turnpikes, or superhighways) are the quickly over your shoulderto make sure safest of all roads. But they have their there isn’t another vehicle in your “blind” own special rules. spot. The most important advice on freeway Once you are moving on the freeway, driving is: Keep up with traffic and keep make certain you allowa reasonable to the right. Drive atthe same speed most following distance. Expectto move of the other drivers are driving. Too-fast slightly slower at night. or too-slow driving breaks a smooth traffic flow. Treat the left laneon a When you want to leave the freeway, move to the proper lane wellin advance. freeway as a passing lane. If you miss your exit do not, under any At the entrance there is usually a ramp circumstances, stop and back up. Drive that leads to the freeway. If you have a on to the next exit. clear view of the freeway as you drive along the entrance ramp, you should

109 ... Your Driving and the Road The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes Wiper Blades: Are they in good does, your vehicle canleave the road in quite sharply. The exit speed is usually shape? 1-, and you could crash posted. Reduce your speed accordingto 0 Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: and be injured. your speedometer, notto your sense of Have you checked all levels? What can you do about highway motion. After drivingfor any distance at 0 Lights: Are they all working? Arethe hypnosis? First, be aware that it can higher speeds, you may tend to think you happen. are going slower thanyou actually are. lenses clean? 0 Tires: They are vitally important toa Then here are some tips: Before leaving on a long Trip safe, trouble-free trip. Is the tread 0 Make sure your vehicleis well Make sure you’re ready.Try to be well good enough for long-distance ventilated, with a comfortably cool rested. If you must start when you’re not driving? Are the tires all inflated to interior. fresh - such as after a day’s work - the recommended pressure? 0 Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road don’t planto make too many miles that Weather Forecasts: What’s the ahead and to the sides. Check your first part of the journey. Wear comfortable weather outlook along your route? rearview mirrors and your instruments clothing and shoes you can easilydrive Should you delay yourtrip a short frequently. in. time to avoid a major storm system? 0 If you get sleepy, pulloff the road into Is your vehicle readyfor a long trip? If Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps? a rest, service, or parking area and you keep it serviced and maintained, it’s Highway Hypnosis take a nap, get some exercise,or both. ready to go. If it needs service, haveit For safety, treat drowsiness onthe Is there actually such a condition as done before starting out.Of course, you’ll highway as an emergency. “highway hypnosis”?Or is itjust plain find experienced and able service experts falling asleep at the wheel? Callit in Geo dealerships all across North highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or America. They’ll be ready and willing to whatever. help if you need it. There is something about an easy stretch Here are some thingsyou can check of road with the same scenery, along with before trip: a the hum of the tires on the road, the drone 0 Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the of the engine, and the rushof the wind reservoir full? Are all windows clean against the vehicle that canmake you inside and outside? sleepy. Don’t let it happen to you!If it

. .I10 down. Shift to a lower gear when you e Know how to go uphill. You may go down a steep or long hill. want to shift down to a lower gear. The lower gears help cool your engine and transaxle, and you can climb the hill better. 0 Stay in your own lane when driving on two-lane roads in hills or mountains. Don’t swing wide or cut across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that let you stay in your own lane. 0 As you go over the top of a hill, be Hill and Mountain alert, There could be something in Roads your lane, likea stalled car or an accident. Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from driving in flat or rolling e You may see highway signs on terrain. If you drive regularly in steep mountains that warn of special country, or if you’re planning to visit problems. Examples are long grades, there, here are some tips that can make passing or no-passing zones, a falling your trips safer and more enjoyable. rocks area, or winding roads. Be alert to these and take appropriate action. 0 Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system and transaxle. These parts can work hard on mountain roads. 0 Know how to go down hills. The most important thing to know is this: let your engine do some of the slowing

111 . . . ~~ Your Driving and the Road

... i:

Include an ice scraper,a small brush or Driving on Snow or Ice Winter Driving broom, a supply of windshield washer Most of the time, those places where your fluid, a rag, some winter outer clothing,a Here are some tipsfor winter driving: tires meet the road probably have good small shovel, flashlight, red cloth, and Have your Geo in good shapefor a a traction. a couple of reflective warning triangles. winter. Be sure your engine coolant However, if there is snow orice between mix is correct. And, if you will be driving under severe conditions, includea small bag of sand, a your tires and the road, you can have a You may want to put winter piece of old carpetor a couple of burlap very slippery situation. You’ll havea lot emergency supplies in your trunk. bags to help provide traction. Be sure you less traction or “grip”and will need to be properly secure these itemsin your very careful. vehicle. What’s the worst timefor this? “Wet ice.” Very cold snow or ice canbe slick and hard to driveon. But wet ice can be even more trouble becauseit may offer the least traction of all. You can get “wetice” when it’s about freezing(32°F; OOC) and freezing rain beginsto fall. Try to avoid driving on wet ice until salt and sand crews can get there.

. . .I12 Whatever the condition - smooth ice, Watch for slippery spots. The road packed, blowing or loose snow - drive might be fine until you. hit a spot that’ with caution. covered with ice.On an otherwise Accelerate gently. Try not to break the clear road, ice patches may appear in fragile traction. If you accelerate too fast, shaded areas wherethe sun can’t the drive wheels will spin and polish the reach: around clumpsof trees, behind surface under the tires even more. buildings, or under bridges. Sometimes the surface of a curve or Unless you have the anti-lock braking an overpass may remain icy when the system, you’ll wantto brake very gently, surrounding roads are clear. If you see too. (If you do have anti-lock, see a patch of ice ahead of you, brake “Anti-Lock” in the Index. This system before you are onit. Try not to brake improves your vehicle’sability to make a while you’re actuallyon the ice, and If You’re Caught in a Blizzard hard stop on a slippery road.) Whether avoid sudden steering maneuvers. If you are stopped by heavy snow, you you have the anti-lock braking system or could be in a serious situation. You should not, you’ll want to begin stopping sooner probably stay with your vehicle unless than you would ondry pavement. Without you know for sure that youare near help anti-lock brakes, if you feel your vehicle and you can hike throughthe snow. Here begin to slide, let up on the brakes a little. are some thingsto do to summon help and Push the brake pedal down steadilyto get keep yourself and your passengers safe: the most traction you can. Turn on your hazard flashers. Tie a red Remember, unless you have anti-lock, if cloth to your vehicleto alert police that you brake so hard that your wheels stop you’ve been stopped by the snow. Puton rolling, you’ll just slide. Brake so your 2xtra clothing or wrap a blanket around wheels always keep rolling and you can you. If you have no blankets or extra still steer. :lothing, make body insulators from Whatever your braking system, allow lewspapers, burlap bags, rags,floor mats greater following distance on any - anything you can wrap around yourself slippery road. )r tuck under your clothingto keep warm. You can run the engine to keep warm, but )e careful. 113.. . Your Driving and the Road Run your engine only as long asyou Towing a Trailer must. This saves fuel. When you run the Zngine, make it goa little faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat thatyou get and it keeps the battery charged.You will need a well-charged battery to restart the vehicle, and possiblyfor signaling later on with your headlights. Let the heater run for awhile. Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again and repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the fuel as long as you can. To help keep warrn, you can get out of the vehicle anddo some fairly vigorous exercises everyhalf hour or so until help comes. NOTICE: Pulling a trailer improperly can damage your vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow the advice in this section, andsee your Geo dealerfor important information about towing a trailer with your vehicle.

. . .I14 Your vehicle can tow a trailer. To identify If You Do Decide toPull a Trailer Three important considerations have to do what the vehicle trailering capacity is for If you do, here are someimportant points. with weight: your vehicle, you should read the information in “Weight of the Trailer” that There are many different laws, Weight of the Trailer including speed limit restrictions, appears later in this section. But trailering How heavy can a trailer safely be? is different than just driving your vehicle having to do with trailering. Make by itself. Trailering means changes in sure your rig will be legal, not only It should never weigh more than 1,500 handling, durability, and fuel economy. where you live but also where you’ll pounds (680 kg). But even that can be Successful, safe trailering takes correct be driving. A good source for this too heavy. equipment, and it has to be used properly. information can be state or provincial It depends on how you plan to use your police. That’s the reason for this section. In it are rig. For example, speed, altitude, road many time-tested, important trailering tips Consider using a sway control. You grades, outside temperature and how and safety rules. Many of these are can ask a hitch dealer about sway much your vehicle is usedto pull a trailer important for your safety and thatof your controls. are all important. And, it canalso depend passengers. So please read this section Don’t tow a trailer at allduring the on any special equipment that you have carefully before you pull a trailer. first 1,000 miles (1 600 km) your new on your vehicle. Load-pulling components such as the vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or You can ask your dealer for our trailering engine, transaxle, wheel assemblies, and other parts could be damaged. information or advice, or you can write us tires are forced to work harder againstthe Then, during the first 500 miles at: drag of the added weight. The engine is (800 km) that you tow a trailer, don’t Customer Assistance Department required to operate at relatively higher drive over 50 mph (80 kmh) and Chevrolet/Geo speeds and under greater loads, don’t make starts at full throttle. This P.O. Box 7047 generating extra heat. What’s more, the helps your engine and other parts of Troy, MI 48007-7047 trailer adds considerably to wind your vehicle wearin at the heavier In Canada, write to: resistance, increasing the pulling loads. requirements. General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Assistance Center 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L 1 H 8P7

115 ... Your Driving and the Road trailer tongue (A) should weight 12% of seal them, deadly carbon monoxide 1the total loaded trailer weight(B). (CO)from your exhaust can get into After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh your vehicle (see “Carbon Monoxide” the trailer and then the tongue, separately, in the Index). Dirt and water can, too. to see if the weights are proper.If they 0 The bumpers on your vehicle are not aren’t, you may be able to get them right intended for hitches. Do not attach simply by moving some items around in rental hitches or other bumper-type the trailer. hitches to them. Use only a A B frame-mounted hitch that doesnot Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires attach to the bumper. Be sure your vehicle’s tiresare inflated to the limit for cold tires. You’ll find these Safety Chains VVeight of the Trailer Tongue numbers on the Certification label at the You should always attach chains between ’he tongue load(A) of any trailer is an rear of the driver’s door opening orsee your vehicle and your trailer. Cross the ir nportant weight to measure because it “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index. safety chains under the tongueof the affects the total capacity weightof your Then be sure you don’t go over theGVW trailer so that the tongue will not drop to V ehicle. The capacity weight includes the limit for your vehicle. the road if it becomes separated from the C urb weight of the vehicle, any cargoyou hitch. Instructions about safety chains nlay carry in it, and the people who will Hitches may be provided by the hitch be riding in the vehicle. Andif you will It’s important to have the correct hitch manufacturer or by the trailer tc IW a trailer, you must subtract the tongut equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer’s lad from your vehicle’s capacity weight going by, and rough roads are a few recommendation for attaching safety bvecause your vehicle will be carrying thal reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. chains. Always leavejust enough slack so P(eight, too. See “Loading Your Vehicle” Here are some rules to follow: you can turn with your rig. And, never n the Index for more information about allow safety chains to drag on the ground. 0 Will you have to make any holes in Y our vehicle’s maximum load capacity. the body of your vehicle when you Trailer Brakes I:f you’re using a “dead-weight” hitch, the install a trailer hitch? If you do, then tl railer tongue (A) should weigh 10%of be sure to seal the holes laterwhen Does your trailer haveits own brakes? Be tl he total loaded trailer weight(B). If you you remove the hitch. If you don’t sure to readand follow the instructions hlave a “weight-distributing” hitch, the for the trailer brakesso you’ll be able to . .116 ’ install, adjust and maintain them properly. of handling and braking with the added because you’re a good deal longer, you’ll If your vehicle hasanti-lock brakes, don’t weight of the trailer. Andalways keep in need to go much farther beyond the try to tap into your vehicle’s brake mind that the vehicle you are driving is passed vehicle beforeyou can return to system. If you do, both brake systems now a good deal longer and not nearly your lane. won’t work well or at all. as responsive as your vehicleis by itself. Even if your vehicle doesn’t have Before you start, check the trailer hitch Backing Up anti-lock brakes, don’t tap into your and platform, safety chains, electrical Hold the bottom of the steering wheel vehicle’s brake systemif the trailer’s connector, lights, tires and mirror with one hand. Then, to move the trailer brake system will use more than0.02 adjustment. If the trailer has electric to the left, just move that hand to theleft. cubic inch (0.3 cc) of fluid from your brakes, start your vehicle and trailer To move the trailer to theright, move vehicle’s master cylinder.If it does, both moving and then apply the trailer brake your hand to the right. Alwaysback up braking systems won’t work well.You controller by hand to be sure the brakes slowly and, if possible, have someone could even lose your brakes. are working. This lets you check your guide you. Will the trailer brake parts take electrical connection at the same time. 3,000 psi (20 650 kPa) of pressure? If During your trip, check occasionally to Making Turns not, the trailer brake system must not be sure that the load is secure, and that When you’re turning with a trailer, make be used with your vehicle. the lights and any trailer brakes are still wider turns than normal. Dothis so your If everything checks out this far, then working. trailer won’t strike soft shoulders, curbs, make the brake fluid tap at the upper road signs, trees, or otherobjects. Avoid rear master cylinder port. But don’t Following Distance jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in use copper tubingfor this. If you do, it Stay at least twice asfar behind the advance. will bend and finally break off. Use vehicle ahead as you wouldwhen driving steel brake tubing. your vehicle withouta trailer. This can nrn Signals When Towing a Trailer help you avoid situations that require When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has Driving with a Trailer heavy braking and sudden turns. to have a different turn signal flasher and Towing a trailer requires a certain amount extra wiring. The green arrows on your of experience. Before setting out for the Passing instrument panel willflash whenever you open road, you’ll wantto get to know You’ll need more passing distance up signal a turn or lane change. Properly your rig. Acquaint yourself with thefeel ahead when you’re towinga trailer. And, hooked up, the trailer lights willalso

117.. . Your Driving andthe Road lash, telling other drivers you’re aboutto se fifth gear. Just drive in fourth gear (or, When You Are Ready to Leave after ;urn, change lanesor stop. s you need to, a lower gear). ?arking ona Hill When towing a trailer, the green arrows I. Apply your regular brakes and hold m your instrument panel will flashfor ’arking on Hills the pedal down while you: ;urns even if the bulbs onthe trailer are lou really should not park your vehicle, Start your engine; burned out. Thus, you maythink drivers vith a trailer attached, on a hill. If behind you are seeing yoursignal when omething goes wrong, your rig could 0 Shift into a gear; and they are not. It’s importantto check tart to move. People canbe injured, and 0 Release the parking brake. occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs loth your vehicle and the trailer canbe 2. Let up on the brake pedal. are still working. lamaged. 3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear 3ut if you ever have to park your rig aon of the chocks. Drivirig on Grades dl, here’s how to do it: Reduce speed and shiftto a lower gear 4. Stop and have someone pick up and I. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t store the chocks. before you start down a long or steep shift into “P” (Park) yet,or into gear downgrade. If you don’t shift down, you for a manual transaxle. might have to use your brakesso much Maintenance When Trailer Towing that they would get hot and no longer 2. Have someone place chocks under the Your vehicle will need service more often work well. trailer wheels. when you’re pulling a trailer. See the On a long uphill grade, shift down and 3. When the wheel chocks are in place, Maintenance Schedulefor more on this. reduce your speedto 45 mph (70 km/h) to release the regular brakes until the Things that are especially importantin reduce the possibilityof engine and chocks absorb the load. trailer operation are automatic transaxle transaxle overheating. 4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then fluid (don’t overfill), engine oil, belts, apply your parking brake, and then cooling system, and brake adjustment. If you are towinga trailer ‘that weighs Each of these is covered inthis manual, more than 1,000 pounds (450 kg), and shift to “P’(Park), or “R” (Reverse) for a manual transaxle. and the Index will help you fmd them you have an automatic transaxle with quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s a good Overdrive, you may preferto drive in “D’ 5. Release the regular brakes. idea to review these sections before you instead of Overdi-ive (or, as you needto, a start ywr trip. lower gear). Or,if you have a manual transaxle with fifth gear, it’sbetter not to Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts are tight. . . .118 . Part 5 Problems on the Road

Hazard Warning Flashers ...... 120 Here you^ find what to do Jump Starting ...... 121 about some problems that can TowingYourVehicle ...... 124 occur on the road. Engine Overheating ...... 128 If a Tire Goes Flat ...... 134 If You’re Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow ...... 141

119 I .. Problems on the Road ‘I L-’

X6005 Hazard Warning Press the button to make your front and To turn off the flashers, push the button rear turn signal lights flash on andoff. again. Flashers Your hazard warning flashers work no When the hazard warning flashers are on, Your hazard warning flashers letyou matter what position your key is in, and your turn signals won’t work. warn others. They also let police know even if the key isn’t in. you have a problem. Your front and rear Other Warning Devices turn signal lights will flash on and off. If you carry reflective triangles, you can set one up at the sideof the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind your vehicle.

. . .120 Jump Starting 2. Get the vehicles close enough so the NOTICE:.I.I< ,~”: 7. ;:g? :y&*-$ .;s$.,“‘;..; ,.’*.. .. :... ,. ,. , jumper cables can reach, but be sure If your battery has run down, youmay y, the vehicles aren’t touchingeach want to use another vehicle and some Ignoring these steps could resuitin other. If they are, it could cause a jumper cables to start your Geo. But costly damage to your vehicle that ground connection you don’t want. please follow the steps below to do it wouldn’t be covered by your war- You wouldn’t be able to start your safely. ranty. Geo, and the bad grounding could Trying to start your Geo by pushing damage the electrical systems. or pulling it could damage your vehicle, even if you have a manual 3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. transaxle. And if you have an auto- Turn off all lights that aren’t needed, matic transaxle, it won’t start that and radios. This will avoid sparks and way. help save both batteries. And it could save your radio! To Jump Start Your Geo: NOTICE: 1. Check the other vehicle.It must have I a 12-volt battery with a negative If you leave yourradio on, it could be ground system. badly damaged. The repairs wouldn’t be covered by yourwarranty. I I NOTICE: I If the other system isn’ta 12-volt system with a negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged.

121 ... Problems on the Road 4. Open the hoods and locate the 5. Check that the jumper cables don’t batteries. Find the positive (+) and have loose or missing insulation.If negative (-) terminals on each battery. they do, you could get a shock. The vehicles could be damaged, too. Before you connect the cables, here are some thingsyou should know. Positive (+) will go to positive (+) and negative (-) will go to negative (-) or a metal engine part. Don’t connect (+) to (-) or you’ll get a short that would damage the battery and maybe other parts, too.

. . .I22 6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to 7. Don’t let the other end touch metal. 8. Now connect the black negative (-) the positive (+) terminal of the vehicle Connect it to the positive (+) terminal cable to the good battery’s with the dead battery. Use a remote of the good battery. Usea remote negative (-) terminal. Don’t let the positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has positive (+) terminal if the vehicle other end touch anythinguntil the next one. has one. step. The other end of the negative cable doesn’t go to the dead battery. It goes to a heavy unpainted metal parton the engine of the vehicle with the dead battery.

123 ... Problems on the Road

-+1 , B

,- m c -- +.c T v- 9. Attach the cable at least 18 inches 12. Remove the cables in reverse order (45 cm) away from the dead battery, to prevent electrical shorting. Take Towing Your Vehicle but not near engine parts that move. care that they don’t touch each other Try to have a GM dealer or a professional The electrical connection is justas or any other metal. towing service tow your Geo. The usual good there, butthe chance of sparks A. Heavy Metal Engine Part towing equipment isa sling-type (A) or a getting back tothe battery is much wheel-lift (B) or car carrier (C) tow truck. 6. Good Battery less. If your vehicle has been changedor 10. Now start the vehicle with the good C. Dead Battery modified since it was factory-new by battery and run the engine for a adding aftermarket items likefog lamps, while. aero skirting, or special tires and wheels, 11. Try to start the vehicle with the dead these instructions and illustrationsmay battery. If it won’t startafter a few not be correct. tries, it probably needs service. Before you do anything, turn on the hazard warning flashers. When you call, tell the towing service: That your vehicle cannot be towed from the frontor rear with sling-type equipment. . . .I24 0 That your vehicle has front wheel When your vehicle is being towed, have drive. the ignition key off. The steering wheel The make, model, and year of your should be clamped in a straight-ahead vehicle. position, with a clamping device designed for towing service. Donot use the Whether you can still move the shift vehicle’s steering column lock for this. lever. The transaxle shouldbe in “Neutral” and If there was an accident, what was the parkingbrake released. damaged. Don’t have your vehicle towed with the When the towing service arrives, let the front wheels in contact withthe ground if tow operator know that this manual it has an automatic transaxle.If a vehicle contains detailed towinginstructions and with an automatic transaxle mustbe illustrations. The operator may wantto towed from the rear with wheellift see them. equipment, the front wheels must be supported on a dolly. If your vehicle has a manual transaxle, don’t have it towed on the front wheels unless you must.If a vehicle with a manual transaxle mustbe towed on the front wheels, don’t go more than35 mph (56 kmk)or farther than 50 miles (80 km) or your transaxle willbe damaged. If these limits must be exceeded, then the front wheels have to be supported on a dolly. If you have a manual transaxle anddollies won’t be used, turn the ignition key to the “ACC” position and put the transaxle in “Neutral.”

125 ... Problems on the Road

, "-

Front Towing Hook-Ups NOTICE: Attach T-hook chainsto slots in frame brackets just aheadof the front wheelsor Do not tow with sling-type equip- both sides. ment or fascia damage will occur. Use wheel liftor car carrier equipment. Additional ramping may be required for car carrier equipment. Use safety chains and wheel straps.

. . .126 A c

Attach a separate safety chain around the :ear Towing Hook-Ups NOTICE: outboard end of each lower control arm. Lttach T-hook chains to slots in the ottom of the floor panjust ahead of the Do not tow with sling-type equip- :ar wheels on both sides. ment or rear bumper valance will be damaged. Use wheel lift or car carrier equipment. Additional ramping may be required for car carrier equipment. Use safety chains and wheel straps. Dollies are required under the front wheels or damage will occur.

127 ... Problems on the Road Engine Overheating You will find a coolant temperature gage or the warning light about a hot engineon vour Geo instrument panel.

[f Steam Is Coming from Your Engine: ttach a separate safety chain around the Itboard end of each lower controlarm.

. . .I28 tf you no longer have the overheat NOTICE: warning, you can drive. Justto be safe, drive slower for about ten minutes.If the If your engine catches fire because warning doesn’t come back on, you can you keep driving with no coolant, drive normally. your vehicle can be badly damaged. The costlyrepairs would not be [f the warning continues, pull over, stop, covered by your warranty. and park your vehicle right away. If there’s still no sign of steam, you can idle the enginefor two or three minutes If No Steam Is Coming from Your while you’re parked,to see if the warning Engine: stops. But then,if you still have the If you get the overheat warning butsee or warning, TURNOFF THE ENGINE Cooling System hear no steam, the problemmay not be AND GET EVERYONE OUTOF THE When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, too serious. Sometimes theengine can get VEHICLE until it cools down. here’s what you’ll see: a little too hot when you: You may decide not to lift the hood but to 1. Coolant Recovery Tank 0 Climb a long hill on a hot day. get service help right away. 2. Radiator Pressure Cap 0 Stop after high speed driving. 3. Electric Engine Fan 0 Idle for long periods in traffic. 0 Tow a trailer. If you get @e overheat warning with no sign of steam, try this for a minute or so: 1. If you have an air conditioner, turn it Off. 2. Turn on your heater tofull hot at the highest fan speed and open the window as necessary.

129 ... Problems on the Road How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level isn’t at or above the “FULL” mark add a 50/50 mixture of clean water (preferably distilled) and a proper antifreeze at the coolant recovery tank. (See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for more information about the proper coolant mix.)

If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling, don’t do anything else until it cools down. The coolant level should be ator above “FULL.” If it isn’t, you may have a leak in the radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pumpor somewhere else Engine damage from running your in the cooling system. engine without coolant isn’t covered by your warranty.

If there seems to be no leak, check to see if the electric engine fan is running.If the engine is overheating, the fan shouldbe running. If it isn’t, your vehicle needs service.

. . ,130 I NOTICE: In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. Use the I recommended coolant.

When the coolant inthe coolant recovery tank is at or above the “FULL” mark start your vehicle. If the overheat warning continues, there’s one more thing you can try.You can add the proper coolant mix directly to the radiator, but be sure the cooling system is cool before you do it.

131 . . Problems on the Road

1 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 baseof 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.

. . .I32 4. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to 5. Put the cap back on the coolant 6. Start the engine and let runit until “FULL.” recovery tank, but leave the radiator you can feel the upper radiator hose pressure cap off. getting hot. Watch out for the engine fan. 0 By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator filler neckmay be lower. If the level is lower, add more of the proper mix through the filler neck until the level reaches the baseof the filler neck.

133 ... Problems on the Road If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while If a tire goes flat, avoid furthertire you’re driving, especiallyif you maintain damage by driving slowlyto a level place. your tires properly. If air goes outof a Turn on your hazard warning flashers. tire, it’s much more likelyto leak out slowly. But if you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a few tips about what to expect and whatto do: If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the accelerator 7. Then replace the pressure cap.At any pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly. time duringthis procedure if coolant Steer to maintain lane position, then begins to flow out of the filler neck, gently brake to a stop well outof the reinstall the pressure cap. Be surethe traffic lane. arrows on the pressurecap line up like this. A rear blowout, particularly ona curve, acts much likea skid and may require the same correction you’d use ina skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. Getthe vehicle under control by steering the way you want the vehicle to go.It may be very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently brake toa stop, well off the road if possible. If a tire goes flat, the next section shows how to use yourjacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.

. . .134 IW to

135 ... Problems on the Road

Remove the jack handle (A), wheel ittach the jack handle to the jack. Turn If you have a wheel cover, remove it wrench (B) and jack (C) from the trunk. he jack handle to the right to raise thelift using the flat end of the wheel wrench. The jack is under a cover on the right sidc lead. Pry along the edgeof the wheel cover of the trunk. Remove the cover, then turn until it comes off. Be careful; the rim the jackscrew to remove thejack from thc edges may be sharp. Don’t try to remove clamps. it with your bare hands.

. . .136 If you have a center cap on your wheels, Using the wheel wrench, loosen all the Under the vehicle near each wheel, there insert the flat end of the wheel wrench wheel nuts. Don’t remove them yet. are bosses in the vehicle’s rocker flange. into the slot in the cap. Pry the cap off. Position thejack and raise thejack lift head until it fits firmly into the notches closest to theflat tire. The jack head groove fits the rocker flange forward of the boss in the front; rearward of the boss in the rear.

137 ... I-- Problems on the Road

Remove all the wheel nuts and take off NOTICE: the flat tire. Raising your vehicle with thejack improperly positioned will damage the vehicle ormay allow the vehicle to fall off the jack. Be sure to fit the jack lift head into the proper location before raising your vehicle.

Raise the vehicleby rotating thejack handle clockwise. Raise the vehicle far enough off the ground so there is enough room for the spare tire tofit.

Remove any rustor dirt from the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces and spare wheel. Place the spare on the wheel mounting surface. . . .I38 Lower the vehicle by turning thejack Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a handle counterclockwise. Lower thejack criss-cross sequence as shown. completely.

!eplace the wheel nuts with the rounded nd of the nuts toward the wheel. Tighten ach nut by hand until the wheel is held gainst the hub.

139 ... Problems on the Road Don’t try to put a wheel cover on your compact spare tire. It won’tfit. Store the wheel cover in thetrunk until you have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

Wheel covers won’t fit on your compact spare. If you try to put a wheel cover on your compact spare, you could damage thecover or the spare.

3 1. Jack 2. Spare Tire 3. ToolBag 4. Jack Handle Replace thejack, jack handle, wheel wrench and flat tire. Make sure the tool bag is stored securely under the tireto help prevent rattles.

.I40 Compact Spare Tire NOTICE: If You’re Stuck: In Although the compact spare was fully Sand, Mud, Ice or inflated when your vehicle wasnew, Don’t take your compact spare it can lose air after a time. Check the through an automatic car wash with Snow inflation pressure regularly.It should be guide rails. The compact spare can What you don’t want to do when your 60 psi (420 kPa). After installing the get caught on the rails. That can vehicle is stuck is to spin your wheels. compact spare on your vehicle, you damage the tire and wheel, and The method known as “rocking” can help should stop as soon as possible and make maybe other parts of your vehicle. you get out when you’re stuck, but you sure your spare tire is correctly inflated. must use caution. The compact spare is made to perform Don’t use your compact spare on some well at posted speed limitsfor distances other vehicle. up to 3,000 miles (5 000 km), so you can And don’t mix your compact spareor finish your trip and have yourfull-size wheel with other wheelsor tires. They tire repaired or replaced where you want. won’t fit. Keep your spare andits wheel Of course, it’s best to replace yourspare together. with a full-size tire as soon as you can. Your spare will last longer and be in good shape in caseyou need it again. NOTICE: Tire chains won’tfit your compact spare. Using them will damage your vehicle and destroy the chains too. Don’t use tire chains on your compact spare.

141 . I Problems on the Road Using the Recovery Hooks NOTICE: :f you ever get stuckin sand, mud, ice NOTICE: Spinning your wheels can destroy )r snow, your Prizm is equipped with Never use the recovery hooksto parts of your vehicle as well as the *ecovery hooks. The recovery hooks are tow the vehicle. Your Prizm could be tires. If you spin the wheels too fast xovided at the front of your vehicle. damaged and it would not be covered while shifting your transaxle back rhey can only be used for pulling your by warranty. and forth, you can destroy your Yrehicle out. transaxle.

Rocking your vehicle to get it out: First, turn your steering wheelleft and right. That will clear the area aroundyour front wheels. Then shift back and forth between “R’ (Reverse) and a forward gear (or witha manual transaxle, between First or Second gear andReverse), spinning the wheels aslittle as possible. Release the accelerator pedal whileyou shift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transaxle isin gear. If tha doesn’t get you out after a few tries, you may need to be towed out. Or, you can use your recovery hooks.If you do need to be towed out, see “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index.

. .142 Service & Appearance Care

Service ...... 144 Fuel ...... 145 Checking Things under the Hood ...... 147 HoodRelease ...... 147 ...... -*I Engine Oil 150 I ...... cm Aircleaner ...... 153 Automatic Transaxle Fluid ...... 154 Here you will find information Manual Transaxle Fluid ...... 155 about the careof your Geo. This HydraulicClutch ...... 156 part begins with service andfuel Enginecoolant ...... 156 information. and then it shows Power Steering Fluid ...... 158 how to check important fluid and Windshield Washer Fluid ...... 159 lubricant levels There is also Brake Master Cylinder ...... 160 . Battery ...... 162 technical information about your Bulb Repiacement ...... 163 vehicle. and a section devoted LoadingVehicle Your ...... 169 to its appearance care. Tires ...... 170 Appearancecare ...... 176 Appearance Care Materials Chart ...... 181 Vehicle Identification Number (VTN) ...... 182 Service Parts Identification Label ...... 182 Add-on Electrical Equipment ...... 182 Fuses and Circuit Breakers ...... 183 ReplacementBulbs ...... 186 Capacities and Specifications ...... 187

143 ... Service and Appearance Care proper service manual, see “Service Publications” in the Index. Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to do your own service work, see “Servicing Your Air-Bag Equipped Geo” in the Index. You should keep a record with all parts receipts and list the mileage and the date Df any service work you perform. See “Maintenance Record”in the Index.

Service Your Geo dealer knows your vehicle best and wants you to be happy with it. We hope you’ll go to yourdealer for all your service needs. You’ll get genuine GM parts and GM-trained and supported service people. We hope you’ll want to keep yourGM vehicle all GM. Genuine GM parts have one of these marks. NOTICE: I Doing Your Own Service Work If you try to do your own service If you want to do some of your own work without knowing enough about service work, you’llwant to get the it, yourvehicle could be damaged. I proper Geo Service Manual.It tells you much more about how to service your Geo than this manual can. To order the

. . .I44 Fuel What about gasoline with blending your emission control system working materials that contain oxygen properly. It’s good for your vehicle, and Use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 (oxygenates), such as MTBE or alcohol? you’ll be doing your part for cleaner air. octane or higher. It should meet specifications ASTM D4814 in the U.S. MTBE is “methyl tertiary-butyl ether.” Many gasolines are now blended with and CGSB 3.5-92 in Canada. These fuels Fuel that is no more than15% MTBE is oxygenates. General Motors recommends should have the proper additives, so you fine for your vehicle. that you use gasolines with these blending should not have to addanything to the Ethanol is ethyl or grain alcohol. materials, such as MTBE andethanol. By fuel. Properly-blended fuel that is no more doing so, you can help clean the air, than 10% ethanol is fine for your vehicle. especially in those parts of the country In the U.S. and Canada, it’s easy tobe that have high carbon monoxide levels. sure you get the right kind of gasoline Methanol is methyl or wood alcohol. (unleaded). You’ll see “UNLEADED” In addition, some gasoline suppliers are right on the pump. And only unleaded NOTICE: now producing reformulated gasolines. nozzles will fit into your vehicle’s filler These gasolines are specially designed to neck. Fuel that is more than5% methanol reduce vehicle emissions. General Motors is bad for your vehicle. Don’t use it. recommends that you use reformulated Be sure the posted octane is at least 87. If gasoline. By doing so, you can help clean the octane is less than 87, you may get a It can corrode metal parts in your fuel system and also damage plastic and the air, especially in those partsof the heavy knocking noise when youdrive. If country that have highozone levels. it’s bad enough, it can damage your rubber parts. That damage wouldn’t engine. be covered under your warranty.And You should ask yourservice station even at 5% or less, there must be operators if their gasolines contain deposit If you’re using fuel rated at87 octane or “cosolvents” and corrosion prevent- control additives and oxygenates, and if higher and you still hear heavy knocking, ers in this fuel to help avoid these they have been reformulated to reduce your engine needs service. But don’t problems. vehicle emissions. worry if you hear a little pinging noise when you’re accelerating or driving up a Gasolines for Cleaner Air Fuels in Foreign Countries hill. That’s normal and you don’t have to buy a higher octane fuel to get rid of Your use of gasoline with deposit control If you plan on driving in another country pinging. It’s the heavy, constant knock additives will help prevent deposits from outside the US.or Canada, unleaded fuel that means you have a problem. forming in your engine and fuel system. may be hard to find. Do not use leaded That helps keep yourengine in tune and gasoline. If you use evenone tankful,

145.. Service and Appearance Care your emission controls won’t work well I or at all. With continuous use, spark plugs can get fouled, the exhaust system can corrode, and your engine oil can deteriorate quickly. Your vehicle’s oxygen sensor willbe damaged. All of that means costly repairs that wouldn’tbe covered by your warranty. To check on fuel availability, askan auto II club, or contact a major oil company that does business in the country where you’ll I be driving. While refueling, hang the cap inside the You can also write us at the following Filling Your Tank fuel door. address for advice. Just tell us where To take off the cap, turnit slowly to the you’re going and give your Vehicle left (counterclockwise). Identification Number (VIN). General Motors Overseas Distribution Corporation North American Export Sales (NAES) 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7

The release lever is near thefloor to the left of the driver’s seat. The cap is behind a hinged door on the left sideof your vehicle.

. . .I46 k Be careful not to spill gasoline, Clean gasoline from painted surfaces as soon as possible. See “Cleaning the Outside of Your Geo” in the Index. When you put the cap back on, turn it to the right until you hear at leastthree clicks. NOTICE: If you need a new cap, be sure to get the right type. Your dealer can get Then go to the front of the vehicle and one foryou. If you get the wrong Checking Things under release the secondary hood release. The type, it may not fit or have proper release is on the right near the middleof venting, and yourfuel tank and emis- the Hood the hood. sions system mightbe damaged. Hood Release To open the hood, first pull the release I handle inside the vehicle.

147 ... Service and Appearance Care

Lift the hood, releasethe hood prop from its retainer and putthe hood prop into the I slot in the hood. 1

When you open the hood, on the 1.6L 7. Engine Compartment Fuses (Code 6)engine without anti-lock brakes you'll see: 8. Battery 1. Windshield Washer Reservoir 9. Engine Coolant Reservoir 2. Oil Fill Cap 10. Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Reservoir 3. Engine Oil Dipstick 11. Engine Fan 4. Power Steering Reservoir 12. Radiator Pressure Cap 5. Brake Fluid Reservoir 6. Air Cleaner

. . .148 II

Before closing the hood,be sure all the filler caps are on properly.

When you open the hood, on the 1.8L 7. Engine Compartment Fuses (Code 8) engine with anti-lock brakes . you’ll see: 8. Battery 1. Windshield Washer Reservoir 9. Engine Coolant Reservoir 2. Oil Fill Cap 10. Automatic Transaxle Dipstick (if equipped) 3. Engine Oil Dipstick 11. Electric Engine Fan 4. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 12. Radiator Pressure Cap 5. Brake Fluid Reservoir 6. Air Cleaner

149 ... Service and Appearance Care

Engine Oil To Check Engine Oil When to Add Oil: It’s a good idea to check your engine oil Pull out the dipstick and clean it witha tf the oil isat or below the “L”, you’ll level every time you getfuel. In order to paper towel or cloth, then pushit back in need to add some oil. Butyou must use get an accurate reading,tile oil must be all the way. Remove it again, keeping the the right kind. This section explains what warm and the vehicle must be on level tip lower. kind of oil touse. For crankcase capacity, ground. see “Capacities and Specifications” in the Turn off the engine and give the oil a few Index. minutes to drain backinto the oil pan. If ~~ you don’t, the oil dipstick might not show NOTICE: the actual level. Don’t add too much oil.If your engine has so much oil that the oil level gets above the upper mark that shows the proper operating range, your engine couldbe damaged.

- -.150 Recommended SAE Viscosity Grade Engine Oils For best fuel economy and coldstarting, select the lowest SAE viscosity grade oil for the expected temperature range.

LOOK FOR ONE OF THESE HOT LABELS UEATHER Just fill it enough to put the level What Kind of Oil to Use somewhere in the properoperating Beginning midyear 1993,oils of the range. Push the dipstick all the way back proper quality for your vehicle will be in when you’re through. identified with this new “starburst” symbol. The “starburst” symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API), and is preferred for use in your gasoline engine. You should look for thison the front of the oil container, and use& oils that display this new symbol. You should also use the proper viscosity SAE 5W-30 oil for your vehicle, as shownin the following chart: COLD NEATHER

151 ... Service and Appearance Care As shown in the chart,SAE 1OW-30 is Engine Oil Additives best for your vehicle. However, you can Don’t add anything to your oil.Your use SAE 5W-30 if it’s going to be colder Geo dealer is ready to advise if you think than 50°F (10°C) before your next oil something should be added. change. When it’s very cold, you should use SAE 5W-30. These numbers on an oil When to Change Engine Oil container show its viscosity,or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils, such as See if any one of these is true for you: SAE 1OW-40 or SAE 20W-50. e Most trips are less than 4 miles If you cannot find oils with the new (6 km). “starburst” symbol on the frontof the 0 It’s below freezing outside and most trips are less than10 miles (16 km). container, you should look for and use These three things are usually includedin oils containing the following three things: a doughnut shaped logo (symbol) on mos e The engine is at low speed mostof the 0 SHor SG containers. If you cannot find oils with time (as in door-to-door delivery,or stop-and-go traffic). “SH” or “SG’ must be on the oil ,, the “starburst” symbol, you should look container, eitherby itself or combined for oils with the doughnut shaped symbol You tow a trailer often. containing the three things noted above. with other quality designations, such 0 Most trips are through dusty places. as “SH/CD,” “SH,SG,CD,” “SG/CD,” If any one of these is true for your etc. These letters show American NOTICE: vehicle, then you needto change yourQLI Petroleum Institute (API) levels of I and filter every 3,750 miles(6 200 km) quality. If you use oils that do not have either or 6 months - whichever comes first. SAE 1OW-30 the “starburst” symbol or an APISH or SG designation, you can cause If none of them is true, change oil and 0 EnergyConserving I1 engine damage not coveredby your filter every 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or Oils with these words on the container warranty. 12 months- whichever comes first. will help you save fuel. GM Goodwrench@ oil (in Canada, GM What to Do with Used Oil Engine Oil) meets all the requirements fo Did you know that used engine oil your vehicle. contains elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause . . .152 cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean your skin and NOTICE: nails with soap and water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw away If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can clothing or rags containing used engine cause a damaging engine fire. And, oil. (See the manufacturer’s warnings dirt can easily get into your engine, about the use and disposal of oil which will damage it. Always have products.) the air cleaner in place when you’re driving. Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you change your own oil, be sure to drain all free-flowing oil from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever dispose of oil by putting it in the trash, Air CIeaner pouring it on the ground,into sewers, or Refer to the Maintenance Scheduleto into streams or bodies of water. Instead, determine when to replace the air filter. recycle it by taking it to a place that See “Scheduled Maintenance Services”in collects used oil. If you have a problem the Index. properly disposing of your used oil, ask I your dealer, a service station or a local recycling center for help.

153 ... Service and Appearance Care Ab rtomatic Transaxle Fluid Vait at least 30 minutes before checking le transaxle fluid level if you have been wl len to Check and Change riving: Ai;ood time to check your automatic 1 When outside temperatures are above I tralIsaxle fluid level is when the engine 90°F (32°C). oil is changed. Referto the Maintenance At high speedfor quite a while. Sclledule to determine when to change In heavy traffic- especially in hot YO‘ u. fluid. See “Scheduled Maintenance weather. Ser vices” in the Index. While pullinga trailer. Ha IW to Check :o get the right reading, the fluid should Bel cause this operation canbe a little ,e at normal operating temperature, vhich is 180°F to 200°F (82°C to 93°C). iir Filter Replacement dif ficult, you may choose to have this dol ne at your Geo dealershipService jet the vehicle warmedup by driving To check or replace thefilter: Deipartment. lbout 15 miles (24 km) when outside I. Release the four clips that hold the If!you do it yourself, be sure to follow all emperatures are above 50°F (10°C). If I cover down. the instructions here, oryou could get a t’s colder than 50°F (lO”C), you may 2. Lift the cover off. fa1se reading on the dipstick. lave to drive longer. 3. Pull out the air filter. ro check thefluid level NOTICE: B Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine running. Too much or toolittle fluid can D With the parking brake applied, place damage your transaxle.Too much the shift lever in “P” (Park). I can mean thatsome of the fluid could With your foot on the brake pedal, come out andfall on hot engine parts move the shift lever through each gear or exhaust system parts, startinga frre. range, pausing for about three seconds Be sure to get an accurate readingif in each range. Then, position the shift you check your transaxle fluid. lever in “P” (Park). Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes. . . .I54 How to Add Fluid Manual Transaxle Fluid Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to How to Check: determine what kind of transaxle fluid to Because this operation canbe difficult, use. See “Recommended Fluids and you may choose to have this done at your Lubricants” in the Index. Geo dealership Service Department. If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper fluidto bring the level into If you do it yourself, be sure to followall the instructions here, or you could geta the area between dimples on the dipstick. false reading. 1. Pull out the dipstick. 2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough fluid at the dipstick hole to bringit to NOTICE: the proper level. Then, without shuttingoff the engine, Too much or toolittle fluid can follow these steps: It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less damage your transaxle.Too much 1. Release the tab and pull outthe than a pint (0.5 L). Don’t overfill. We can mean that some of the fluid could dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag recommend you use onlyfluid labeled come out andfall on hot engine parts or paper towel. DEXRON@-111or DEXRON@-IIE, or exhaust system parts, startinga because fluids with that label are made 2. Push it back in all the way, wait three fire. Be sure to getan accurate read- especially for your automatic transaxle. ing if you check your transaxlefluid. seconds and then pullit back out Damage caused by fluid other than again. DEXRON@-111 or DEXRON@-IIEis not Check the fluid level only when your 3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and covered by your new vehicle warranty. read the lowerlevel. The fluid level engine is off, the vehicle is parked on 0 After adding fluid, recheck the fluid must be between the two dimples in a level place and the transaxle is cool level as described under “How to the hot range. enough for you to rest your fingers on Check.” the transaxle case. 4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable When the correct fluid level is range, push the dipstick back in all the obtained, push the dipstick back in all way. the way.

155 ... Service and Appearance Care Then, follow these steps: How to Check 1. Remove the filler plug. The proper fluid should be addedif the 2. Check that the lubricant level is up to level is at or below the“MIN’ mark on the bottom of the filler plug hole. the reservoir. See the instructions on the reservoir cap. 3. If the fluid level is good, install the plug and be sure it is fully seated. If Engine Coolant the fluid level is low, add more fluid as described in the next steps. The following explains your cooling system and how to add coolant whenit is How to Add Fluid: low. If you have a problem with engine overheating, see “Engine Overheating”in Here’s how to add fluid. Refer to the the Index. Maintenance Scheduleto determine what Hydraulic Clutch kind of fluid to use. See “Recommended The hydraulic clutch in your vehicle is The proper coolant for your Geo will: Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index. self-adjusting. The clutch master cylinder Give freezing protection down to 1. Remove the filler plug. reservoir is filled with hydraulic clutch -34°F (-37°C). fluid. 2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add Give boiling protection up to 262°F only enough fluid to bring the fluid It isn’t a good idea to “topoff” your clutch (128°C) . level up to the bottom of the filler fluid. Adding fluid won’t correct a leak. Protect against rust and corrosion. A fluid loss in this system could indicate plug hole. 8 Help keep the proper engine a problem. Have the system inspected and 3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug temperature. repaired. is fully seated. Let the warning lights work as they When to Check and What to Use should. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often you should check What to Use: the fluid level in your clutch master Use a mixture of one-half clean water cylinder reservoir and for the proper fluid. (preferably distilled) and one-half See “Owner Checksand Services” and antifreeze that meets “GM Specification “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in 1825-M,” which won’t damage aluminum the Index. parts. You can also use a recycled coolant . . .156 conforming to GM Specification 1825-M with a complete coolant flush and refill. If you use this mixture, you don’t need to add anything else.

Adding Coolant: TO Add Coolant: If you need to add more To Check Coolant: When your engine is coolant, add the proper mix at the coolant cold, the coolant level shouldbe at recovery tank. “LOW,” or a little higher. When your engine is warm, the level should be up to “FULL,” or a little higher.

NOTICE: If you use an improper coolant mix, your engine could overheat andbe badly damaged. The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Too much water in the mix can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.

157 ... Add coolant mix at the recoverytank, but lrliermostat be careful not to spill it. * i..a, : . .., %.~: Rnglne .*@oa€iM:;,*4,: .e.. < temperatuie ./is controlled by &mostat ih th& engihk Cbblaht system. The th&rmostat stops theflow Df coolant through the radiator until the Eoolant reaches a preset temperature. When you replace your thermostat, an AC@ thermostat is recommended.

Power Steering Fluid Radiator Pressure Cap

, .,, How to Check Power Steering Fluid NOTICE: Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap and Your radiator cap is a15 psi (105 Wa) completely tighten it. Then remove the pressure-type cap and must be tightly cap again and look at the fluid level on installed to prevent coolant loss and the dipstick. possible engine damage from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap line up with the overflow tube on the radiator filler neck.

When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an AC@ cap is recommended.

. . .I58 /-

0 When the engine compartment is hot, When the engine compartmentis cool, 1 thelevel should be between the the level should be between the Windshield Washer Fluid “HOT” marks. “COLD’ marks. To Add: ’hat to Add Open the cap labeled “WASHER FLUID :fer to the Maintenance Schedule to ONLY.’’ Add washer fluid until the bottle :tennine what kind of fluid to use. See is full. lecommended Fluids and Lubricants”in e Index. NOTICE: When adding power steering fluidor making a complete fluid change, always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals. Service and Appearance Care NOTICE: When using concentrated washer fluid, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding water. Don’t mix water with ready-to-use washer fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze and damage your washer fluid tank and other partsof the washer system. Also, water doesn’t clean If you have anti-lock brakes, open the cap as well as washer fluid. labeled “WASHER FLUIDONLY.” Add Brakes washer fluid until the floatin the bottle Fill your washer fluid tank only shows that itis full. 314 full when it’s very cold. This Brake Master Cylinder allows for expansion, which could Your brake master cylinder is here. It is damage the tank if it is completely filled with DOT-3 brake fluid. full. There are only two reasonswhy the brake Don’t use radiator antifreeze in fluid level in your master cylinder might your windshield washer. It can go down. The first is that the brake fluid damage your washer systemand goes down to an acceptable level during paint. normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluidlevel goes back up. The other reasonis that fluid is leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you should have your brake system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later your brakes won’t work well, or won’t work at all. So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your brake fluid. Adding brake fluid . . .160 won’t correct a leak. If you add fluid when your linings are worn, then you’ll NOTICE: have too much fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add (or remove) Don’t let someone put in the brake fluid, as necessary, only when work wrong kind of fluid. For example, is done on the brake hydraulic system. just a few drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in your brake system can damage brake system parts so badly that they’ll have to be replaced. Brake fluid can damage paint, so be careful notto spill brake fluid NOTICE: on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off immediately. See “Appearance Continuing to drive with worn-out Care” in the Index. brake pads could resultin costly brake repair. Brake Wear L r Some driving conditions or climates may Your Geo has front disc brakes and rear When your brake fluid falls to a low level, cause a brake squeal when the brakes are your brake warning light will come on. drum brakes. first applied or lightly applied. This does See “Brake System Warning Light” in the Disc brake pads havebuilt-in wear not mean something is wrong with your Index. indicators that make a high-pitched brakes. warning sound when the brake padsare Your rear drum brakes don’t have wear What to Add: worn and new pads are needed. The indicators, but if youever hear a rear When you do need brake fluid, use only sound may come and go orbe heard all brake rubbing noise, havethe rear brake the time your vehicle is moving (except DOT-3 brake fluid - such as Delco- linings inspected. Also, the rear brake when you are pushing on the brake pedal Supreme 1 l@(GM Part No. 1052535). drums should be removed and inspected Use new brake fluid from a sealed firmly). each time the tires are removed for container only, and always clean the brake rotation or changing. When you have the fluid reservoir cap before removing it.

161 ... Service and Appearance Care front brakes replaced, havethe rear Replacing Brake System Parts Battery brakes inspected, too. rhe braking systemon a modern vehicle Every new Geo has a Delco Freedom@ Brake linings should alwaysbe replaced .s complex. Its many parts have to be of 3attery. You never have to add waterto as complete axle sets. :op quality and work well together the if me of these. When it’s timefor a new vehicle is tohave really good braking. 3attery, we recommend a Delco Brake Pedal navel Vehicles we design and test have Freedom@ battery. Get one that has the See your dealerif the brake pedal does Lop-quality GM brake parts in them, as zatalog number shown on the original not returnto normal height,or if there is a your Geo does whenit isnew. When you battery’s label. rapid increase in pedal travel. This could replace parts of your braking system- be a sign of brake trouble. For example, when your brake linings Vehicle Storage wear down and you haveto have new [f you’re not going to drive your vehicle Brake Adjustment mes put in - be sure you get new genuine GM replacement parts.If you For 25 days or more, take off the black, Every tinie you make a moderate brake don’t, your brakes may no longer work negative (-) cable from the battery.This stop, your disc brakes adjust for wear. If properly. For example,if someone puts in will help keep your battery from running you rarely makea moderate or heavier brake linings that are wrongfor your down. stop, then your brakes might not adjust vehicle, the balance between your front correctly. If you drive in that way, then - and rear brakes can change,for the worse. very carefully- make a few moderate The braking performance you’ve cometo brake stops about every1,000 miles expect can change in many other ways if (1 600 km), so your brakes willadjust someone puts in the wrong replacement properly. brake parts. If your brake pedal goes downfarther than normal, your rear drum brakesmay need adjustment. Adjust them by backing up and fiily applying the brakes a few times. Contact your dealer to learnhow to prepare your vehiclefor longer storage periods.

. . .I62 Bulb Replacement See “Replacement Bulbs”in the Index to check the size and typeof bulb you need to use. Halogen Bulbs

Headlights 3. Reach behind the headlight assembly 1. Open the hood. and find the lock ring assembly. 2. If you’re replacing a driver side 4. Turn the lock ring assembly to the left headlight bulb, you needto remove It doesn’t comeoff. the air duct behind the headlight 5. Pull the bulb socketout of the assembly. housing. Pry up on the center of the plastic 6. Pull the connector apart to remove the clip and pull it out. bulb assembly. Pull out the outer part of the plastic clip. 0 Remove the air duct.

163. .. Service and Appearance Care

7. Reverse the steps with a new bulb Front Sidemarker Lights Front Turn Signal Lights assembly. 1. Remove the screw in the lens. 1. Remove the screw in the parking light If you replaced a driver side bulb, 2. Remove the front sidemarker light lens and remove parking light replace the air duct, slide the outer assembly. There is a snap-in connector assembly. part of the plastic clip into the hole at the front of the assembly, so you 2. Remove the screw from the turn and then push in the centerof the may have to pry carefully on the rear signal assembly. clip. of the assembly to remove it. 3. Pull on the rear edge of the assembly, 3. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise slide it towardthe rear and pullit out and pull it out. to remove it. 4. Pull the bulb straight out. 5. Reverse the steps with a new bulb.

. . ,164 4. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise Parking Lights 3. Turn the bulb socket clockwise and and pull it out. 1. Remove the screw near the top outside pull it out. 5. Push the bulb in, turn it of the headlight assembly. 4. Pull the bulb straight out. counterclockwise and pull it out. 2. Remove the parking light assembly, 5. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. 6. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. There is a snap-in connector in the assembly, so you may have to pry carefully on the inside edgeof the assembly to remove it.

165 ... Service and Appearance Care -i

\ \

:enter High-Mounted Stoplight 4. Remove the screw from the stoplight 6. Pull the bulb straight out. . Push in the center of the clips on both reflector. sides of the high-mounted stoplight 5. Remove the stoplight reflector. housing. !. Pull the clips out. 1. Remove the cover.

. . .I66 7. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. Rear Combination Lights Remove the nut from the stud nearthe Push the center of the clip so it The combination light assembly include rear corner of the trunk. slides part way out, put the clip the taillighthtoplight, turn signal and into the housing and then pushthe sidemarker bulbs. center in. 1. Open the trunk. 2. Remove the two bolts from the lens assembly. 3. Remove the trunk trim. Move the carpet. Loosen the two clips on the trunk trim near the trunk opening. Pop the clips out. Pull the trunk trim away from the rear of the trunk.

167 ... Service and Appearance Care

5. Remove the rear combination light License Plate Light Back-up Light assembly. There is a snap-in connector 1. Pry on the lever on the license plate 1. Open the trunk. in the assembly, so you may have to light assembly and lowerit out of the 2. Remove the trim on the trunk lid (if pull carefully on the inside edgeof the bumper. assembly to remove it. your vehicle is so equipped). 2. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise 3. Remove the screw from the back-up 6. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and pull it out of the light assembly. and pull it out. light. 3. Pull the bulb straight out. 7. For the taiVstop or turn signal lights, 4. Pull the bulb housing assembly push the bulb in, turn it 4. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. through the opening in thetrunk lid. counterclockwise and pull it out.For When you put the light assembly 5. Push the bulb in, turn it the sidemarker bulb, pull it straight back into the bumper, put the side counterclockwise and pullit out. out. without the lever in first, then snap 6. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. 8. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. in the lever side.

. . .I68 . GEO PRIZM MFG. BY NEW UNITED MOTOR MANUFACTURING INC. GVWR GAWRFR RR

BA416932

I The other label is the Certification label, I Loading Your Vehicle found on the rear of the driver's door Two labels on your vehicle show how opening. It tells you the gross weight NOTICE: much weight it may properly carry. The capacity of your vehicle, called the Tire-Loading Information label found in GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). Your warranty does not cover parts or the glove compartment tells you the The GVWR includes the weight of the components that fail because of over- proper size, speed rating and vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo. loading. recommended inflation pressures for the Never exceed the GVWR for your L tires on your vehicle. It also gives you vehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight Rating If you put things inside your vehicle- important information about the number (GAWR) for either the front or rear axle. like suitcases, tools, packages, or anything else - they will go as fast as the of people that can bein your vehicle and And, if you do have a heavy load, you vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn the total weight that you can carry. This should spread it out. Don't carry more quickly, or if there is a crash, they'll keep weight is called the Vehicle Capacity than 125 pounds (56.7 kilograms) in you1 going. Weight and includes the weight of all trunk. occupants, cargo, and all nonfactory-installed options.

169.., Service and Appearance Care Tires We don’t make tires. Your new vehicle comes with high quality tires madeby a leading tire manufacturer. These tires are warrantedby the tire manufacturers and their warrantiesare delivered with every new Geo. If your spare tire isa different brand than your road tires, you will have a tire warranty folder from eachof these manufacturers.

. . .170 Inflation - Tire Pressure When to Check: Check your tires once a month or more. Don’t forget The Tire-Loading Information label whichis in the glove compartment shows the your compact spare tire.It should be correct inflation pressures for your tires,when they’re cold. “Cold” means your at 60 psi (420 kPa). vehicle has been sitting for at least three hours or driven no more thana mile. How to Check: Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire pressure. Simply looking at the tires NOTICE: will not tell you the pressure, especially if you have radial tires - Don’t let anyone tell you that underinflation or overinflation is all right. It’s not. which may look properly inflated even If your tires don’t have enough air (underinflation)you can get: if they’re underinflated. 0 Toomuch flexing If your tires have valve caps, be sure to 0 Toomuch heat put them back on. They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture. 0 Tireoverloading 0 Badwear

0 Bad handling Badfuel economy.

If your tires havetoo much air (overinflation), you can get: 0 Unusualwear 0 Badhandling 0 Roughride Needless damage from road hazards. Service and Appearance Care

Tire Inspection and Rotation When It’s Time for New Tires To make your tires last longer, have them )ne way to tell when it’s time for new inspected and rotated at the mileages ires is to check the treadwear indicators, recommended in your Maintenance vhich will appear when your tires have Schedule. See “Scheduled Maintenance mly 2/32 inch (1.6 mm) or less of tread Services” in the Index. emaining, Use this rotation pattern. lou need a new tire if After the tires have been rotated, adjust You can see the indicators at threeor the front and rear inflation pressure as more places around the tire. shown on the Tire-Loading Information You can see cord or fabric showing label. Make certain that all wheel nuts are through the tire’s rubber. properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut Torque” in the Index. or snagged deep enough to show cord or fabric. B The tire has a bump, bulge or split.

. ,172 0 The tire has a puncture, cut, or other Uniform Tire Quality Grading asphalt and concrete.A tire marked C damage that can’t be repaired well The following informationrelates to the may have poor traction performance. because of the size or location of the system developedby the United States Warning: The traction grade assignedto damage. National Highway Traffic Safety this tire is based. on braking Administration which grades tiresby (straight-ahead) traction tests and does Buying New Tires treadwear, traction and temperature not include cornering (turning) traction. To find out what kind andsize of tires you performance. (This applies only to need, look at the Tire-Loading vehicles sold inthe United States.) Temperature - A, B, C Information label. The temperature grades areA (the Make sure the replacements are the same Treadwear highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s size, load range, speed rating and The treadwear gradeis a comparative resistance to the generation of heat and its construction type (bias, bias-belted or rating based onthe wear rate of the tire ability to dissipate heat when tested under radial) as your original tires. when tested under controlled conditions controlled conditions ona specified on a specified government testcourse. For indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained example, a tire graded 150 would wear high temperature cancause the material one and a half (1 1/2) times as wellon the of the tire to degenerate and reducetire government course asa tire graded 100. life, and excessive temperature can leadto The relative performance of tires depends sudden tire failure. The gradeC upon the actual conditionsof their use, corresponds to a level of performance however, and may depart significantly which all passenger car tires must meet from the norm due to variations in driving under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety habits, service practices and differences in Standard No. 109. Grades B and A road characteristics and climate. represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the Traction - A, B, C minimum requiredby law. The traction grades, from highestto Warning: The temperature gradefor this lowest are: A, B, and C. They represent tire is established for a tire that is properly the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement inflated and not overloaded. Excessive as measured under controlled conditions ,speed, underinflation,or excessive on specified government test surfaces of loading, either separately or in

173. I.. Service and Appearance Care combination, can cause heat buildup and Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance If you need to replace any of your wheels, possible tire failure. The wheels on your vehicle were aligned wheel bolts, or wheel nuts, replace them These grades are molded on the sidewalls and balanced carefully at the factory to only with new GM original equipment of passenger car tires. give you the longest tire life and best parts. This way, you will be sure to have overall performance. the right wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel ' While the tires available as standardor nuts for your Geo. optional equipment on General Motors In most cases, you will not need to have vehicles may vary with respect to these your wheels aligned again. However, if grades, all such tires meet General Motors you notice unusual tire wear or your performance standards and havebeen vehicle pulling one way or the other, the approved for useon General Motors alignment may need to be reset. If you vehicles. All passenger type (P Metric) notice your vehicle vibrating when tires must conform to Federal safety driving on a smooth road, your wheels requirements in addition to these grades. may need to be rebalanced.

Wheel Replacement Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked or badly rusted. If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the wheel leaks air, replace it (except some aluminum wheels, which can sometimes be repaired). See your Geo dealerif any of these conditions exist. Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need. Each new wheel should have the same load carrying capacity, diameter, width, offset, and be mounted the same way as the one it replaces.

I.. 174 Used Replacement Wheels rire Chains NOTICE: The wrong wheel can also cause NOTICE: problems with bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer/odometer cal- Use tire chains only where legal and ibration, headlight aim, bumper only when you must. Use only SAE height, vehicle ground clearance, and Class “S” type chains that are the tire or tire chain clearanceto the proper size for your tires. Install them body and chassis. on the front tires and tighten them as tightly as possible with the ends securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow the chain manufacturer’s instructions. If you can hear the chains contacting your vehicle, stop and retighten them. If the contact cGntinues, slow down until it stops. Driving too fast with chains on will damage your vehicle.

175 ... Service and Appearance Care Appearance Care Never use these to clean your vehicle: Cleaning the Insideof Your Remember, cleaning products can be Gasoline Geo hazardous. Some are toxic. Others can 0 Benzene Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and loose dirt. Wipe vinyl or burst into flame if you strike a match or 0 Naphtha get them on a hot part of the vehicle. leather with a clean, damp cloth. Some are dangerousif you breathe 0 CarbonTetrachloride Your Geo dealer has twoGM cleaners, their fumes in a closed space. When 0 Acetone a solvent-type spot lifter anda foam-type you use anything from a container to powdered cleaner. They will clean 0 PaintThinner clean your Geo, be sure to follow the normal spots and stains very well.Do manufz.qurer’s warnings and 0 Turpentine not use them on vinyl or leather. instruc:ions. And always open your 0 LacquerThinner Here are some cleaning tips: doors or windows when you’re cleaning the inside. 0 NailPolish Remover 0 Always read the instructions on the They can all be hazardous - some more cleaner label. than others - and they can all damage Clean up stains as soon as you can your vehicle, too. - before they set. Don’t use any of these unless this manual says you can. In many uses, these will damage your vehicle: 0 Alcohol

0 LaundrySoap 0 Bleach

0 ReducingAgents

. . .I76 Use a clean cloth or sponge, and 0 Wipe off what’s left with a slightly When you clean a stain from fabric, change to a clean area often. A soft damp paper towel or cloth. immediately dry the area with an air brush may be used if stains are 0 Then dry it immediately with a blow hose, hair dryer, or heat lampto help stubborn. dryer or a heat lamp. prevent a cleaning ring. (See the Use solvent-type cleaners in a previous NOTICE.) well-ventilated area only. If you use them, don’t saturate the stained area. I NOTICE: Fabric Protection Your Geo has upholstery that has been 0 If a ring forms after spot cleaning, Be careful with a hair dryer or heat treated with Scotchgard TM Fabric clean the entire area immediately or lamp. You couldscorch the fabric. it will set. I I Protector, a 3M product. Scotchgard” protects fabrics by repelling oil and water, Wipe with a clean cloth. Using Foam-Type Cleaneron Fabric which are the carriers of most stains. Even with this protection, you still need 0 Vacuum and brush the area to remove Using Solvent-l‘ype Cleaner on Fabric to clean your upholstery often to keep it any loose dirt. First, see if you have to use solvent-type looking new. 0 cleaner at all. Some spots and stainswill Always clean a whole trim panel or Further information on cleaning is section. Mask surrounding trim along clean off better with just water and mild wailable by calling 1-800-433-3296 stitch or welt lines. soap. I :in Minnesota, 1-800-642-6 167). 0 Mix Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner If you need to use a solvent: following the directions on the 0 Gently scrape excess soil from the Special Cleaning Problems container label. trim material with a clean, dull knife Greasy or oily stains: Such as grease, 0 IJse suds only and apply with a clean or scraper. Use very little cleaner, light >il, butter, margarine, shoe polish, coffee sponge. pressure and clean cloths (preferably with cream, chewing gum, cosmetic 0 Don’t saturate the material. cheesecloth). Cleaning should start at :reams, vegetable oils, wax crayon, tar the outside of the stain, “feathering” and asphalt. 0 Don’t rub it roughly. toward the center. Keep changing to a Carefully scrape off excess stain. 0 As soon as you’ve cleaned the section, clean section of the cloth. use a sponge to remove the suds. Followthe solvent-type instructions described earlier. 0 Rinse the section with a clean, wet sponge.

177. I Service and Appearance Care

0 Shoe polish, wax crayon, tar and Cleaning Vinyl Cleaning theTop of the Instrument asphalt will stain if left on a vehicle Use warm water and a clean cloth. Panel seat fabric. ‘They should be relnoved Rub with a clean, damp cloth to Use only mild soap and water to clean as soon as possible. Be careful, remove dirt. You may have to do it the top surfaces of the instrument panel. because the cleaner will dissolve them Inore than once. Sprays containing siliconesor waxes and may cause them to spread. may cause annoying reflectionsin the Things like tar, asphalt and shoe Such as catsup, windshield and even makeit difficult to Non-greasy stains: polish will stain if you don’t get them coffee (black), egg, fruit, fruitjuice, milk, see through the windshield under certain off quickly. Use a clean cloth and soft drinks, wine, vomit, urine and blood. conditions. solvent-type vinyl cleaner. Carefully scrape off excess stain, then Care of Safety Belts sponge the soiled area with cool water. Cleaning Leather Keep belts clean and dry. If a stain remains, follow the Use a soft cloth with lukewarm water and foam-type instructions above. a mild soap or saddle soap. If an odor lingers after cleaning For stubborn stains, use a mild vomit or urine, treat the area with solution of 10% isopropyl alcohol a waterhaking soda solution: (rubbing alchohol) and90% water. 1 teaspoon (5 1111) of baking soda to Never use oils, varnishes, 1 cup (250 ml) of lukewarm water. solvent-based or abrasive cleaners, If needed, clean lightly with furniture polish or shoe polish on solvent-type cleaner. leather. Combination stains: Such as candy, Soiled leather should be cleaned ice cream, mayonnaise, chili sauce and immediately. If dirt is allowed to work unknown stains. into finish, it can harm the leather. Glass 0 Carefully scrape off excess stain, then clean with cool water and allow to Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass dry. Cleaner (GM Part No. 1050427) or a liquid household glass cleaner will If a stain remains, clean it with remove normal tobacco smoke and dust solvent-type cleaner. films.

. . .I78 Don’t use abrasive cleaners on glass, Creaning the Outsideof Your GM approved cleaning products from because they may cause scratches. Avoid Geo your dealer. (See “Appearance Care and placing decals on the inside rear window, Materials’’ in the Index.) The paint finish on your vehicle provides since they may have to be scraped off Your Geo has a “ba~ec~atlclearc~at~’ later. If abrasive cleaners are used on the beauty, depth of color, gloss retention and durability. paint finish. The clearcoat gives more inside of the rear window, an electric depth and gloss to the colored basecoat. defogger element may be damaged. Any Washing Your Vehicle Always use waxes and polishes that temporary license should not be attached The best way to preserve your vehicle’s are non-abrasive and made for a across the defogger grid. finish is to keepit clean by washing it basecoatlclearcoat paint finish. Cleaning the Outsideof the Windshield often with lukewarm or cold water. and Wiper Blades Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct rays NOTICE: If the windshield is not clear after using of the sun. Don’t use strong soaps or the windshield washer,or if the wiper chemical detergents. Use liquid hand, dish Machine compounding or aggressive blade chatters when running,wax or or car washing (mild detergent) soaps. polishing on a basecoatlclearcoat other material may be on the blade or Don’t use cleaning agents that are paint finish may dull the finish or windshield. petroleum based, or contain acid or leave swirl marks. abrasives. All cleaning agents should be Clean the outsideof the windshield with flushed promptly and not allowed to dry Aluminum Wheels (If So Equipped) GM Windshield Cleaner, Bon-Ami on the surface, or they could stain. Dry Powder@ (GM PartNo. 105001 1). The the finish with a soft, clean chamoisor a Your aluminum wheels have a protective windshield is cleanif beads do not form 100% cotton towel to avoid surface coating similar to the painted surfaceof when you rinse it with water. scratches and water spotting. your vehicle. Don’t use strong soaps, chemicals, chrome polish, abrasive Clean the blade by wiping vigorously High pressure car washesmay cause cleaners or abrasive cleaning brushes on with a cloth soaked in full strength water to enter your vehicle. windshield washer solvent. Then rinse them because you could damage this the blade with water. Finish Care coating. After rinsing thoroughly,a wax Wiper blades should be checked ona Occasional waxing ormild polishing of may be applied. regular basis and replaced when worn. your Geo may be necessary to remove residue from the paint finish.You can get

179.., Service and Appearance Care Sheet Metal Damage Underbody Maintenance NOTICE: [f your vehicle is damagedand requires Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust control can collect on the If you have aluminum wheels, don’t sheet metal repair or replacement, make sure the body repairshop applies anti- underbody. If these are not removed, use an automatic vehicle wash that accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on has hard silicon carbide cleaning corrosion material to the parts repaired or replaced to restore corrosion protection. the underbody parts such as fuel lines, brushes. These brushes can takeoff frame, floor pan, and exhaust system even the protective coating. Foreign Material though they have corrosion protection. Calcium chloride and other salts, ice At least every spring, flush these materials Tires melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, from the underbody with plain water. Your Geo dealer hasa GM White bird droppings, chemicals from industrial Clean any areas where mud and other Sidewall Tire Cleaner.You can use a chimneys, and other foreign matter can debris can collect. Dirt packed in closed stiff brush with the cleaner. damage your vehicle’s finishif they areas of the frame should be loosened When applying a tire dressing always takc remain on painted surfaces. Use cleaners before being flushed. Your dealer or an care to wipe off any overspray or splash that are marked safe for painted surfaces underbody vehicle washing system can do from painted surfaces. Petroleum-based to remove foreign matter. this for you. products may damage the paintfinish. Finish Damage Chemical Paint Spotting Weatherstrips Any stone chips, fractures or deep Some weather and atmospheric conditions Silicone grease on weatherstrips will scratches in the finish should be repaired can create a chemical fallout. Airborne make them last longer, seal better, and right away. Bare metal will corrode pollutants can fall upon and attack painted not stick or squeak. Apply silicone grease quickly and may develop into a major surfaces on your vehicle.This damage with a clean cloth at least every six repair expense. can take two forms: blotchy, ringlet- shaped discolorations, and small irregular months. During very cold, damp weather Minor chips and scratches can be repaired dark spots etched into the paint surface. more frequent applicationmay be with touch-up materials available from required. (See “Recommended Fluids your dealer or other service outlets. Larger Although no defect in the paint job causes and Lubricants” in the Index.) areas of finish damage canbe corrected in this, Geo will repair, at no charge to the your dealer’s body and paint shop. owner, the surfaces ofnew vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within 12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of purchase, whichever comes first. . . .I80 1 Appearance Care Materials Chart

I PART NUMBER I SIZE I DESCRIPTION.. I USAGE~. . I 1051516 32 02. (0.946 L) Washer Solvent andGas Liner De-leer Windshield washing system andgas line 10501 72 16 or. (0.473 L) Tar and RoadOil Remover Also old waxes, polishes 10501 73 16 02. (0.473 L) Polish Removes rust and corrosion on chrome and steel Cleaner and 10501 74 16 oz. (0.473 L) White Sidewall Tire Cleaner Cleans white and blacktires

*Not recommended for pigskin suede leather. See your General Motors Dealerfor these products. See the Index under "Recommended Fluids andLubricants" for other products.

181 . . Service and Appearance Care Service Parts Add-on Electrical Identification Label Equipment You’ll find this label on your spare tire cover. It’s very helpful if you ever need to NOTICE: order parts. On this label is: your VIN, Don’t add anything electrical to your Geo unless you check with 0 themodel designation, your dealer first. Some electrical paintinformation, and equipment can damage your vehicle J 0 a list of all production options and and the damage wouldn’t be covered special equipment. by your warranty. Some add-on electrical equipment can keep other Vehicle Identification Be sure that this label is not removed components from working as they from the vehicle. Number (VIN) should. This is the legal identifierfor your Geo. It appears on a plate in the front cornerof Your vehicle has an air bag system. the instrument panel, on the driver’s side. Before attempting to add anything You can see it if you look through the electrical to your Geo, see “Servicing windshield from outside your vehicle. Your Air-Bag Equipped Geo” in the The VIN also appears on the Vehicle Certification and ServiceParts labels and the certificates of title and registration.

Engine Identification The eighth character in yourVIN is the engine code. This code will help you identify your engine, specifications, and replacement parts.

. . .182 vlost of your fuses are in the fuse block. geadlights Some are in two electrical centers in your The headlight wiring is protected by a mgine compartment. These electrical :ircuit breaker. An electrical overload will :enters, plusa component center behind :ause the lights to go on and off, or in b’ (our glove box, also have relays, circuit iome cases to remainoff. If this happens, Jreakers and other electrical components. lave your headlight wiring checked right rhe larger electrical center in the engine iway. :ompartment has a fuse puller attached to he inside of the cover. You can use the Windshield Wipers Idler to remove any fuses. The windshield wiper motor is protected Look at the silver-colored band inside 3y a circuit breaker anda fuse. If the :he fuse.If the band is broken or melted, notor overheats due to heavy snow, etc., Fuses and Circuit .eplace the fuse. Be sure you replace a he wiper will stop until the motor cools. >adfuse with a new one of the correct [f the overload is caused by some Breakers ;ize. :lectrical problem and not snow,etc., be The wiring circuits in your vehicle are [f you ever have a problem on the road sure to get it fixed. protected from shortcircuits by fuses, md don’t have a spare fuse, you can Power Windows and Other Power circuit breakers and fusible therrnal links orr row one. Just pick some feature of Dptions in the wiringitself. This greatly reduces your vehicle that you can get along Zircuit breakers protect the power the chance of fires caused by electrical without - like the radio or cigarette problems. windows and other power accessories. lighter - and use its fuse, if it is of the When the current loadis too heavy, the Your fuse block is beneath the instrument value you need. Replace it as soon as 5rcuit breaker opens andcloses, panel near the driver’s door. For accessto you can. protecting the circuit until the problem is the fuses, pull the knob on the cover. Before replacing a fuse, turn every fixed or goes away. vehicle electrical switch off.

183 ... Service and Appearance Care c

Fuse Block

Driver Side Instrument Panel Engine Compartment 1 - NotUsed 8 - Gage (10 Amp.) 1 - Electronic Fuel Injection F/HTR 2 - Ignition (10 Amp.) 9 - Taillight (15 Amp.) (15 Amp.) 3 - Stop (15 Amp.) 10 - Defogger - I/UP (7.5 Amp.) 2 - Alternator-S (7.5 Amp.) - NotUsed 11 - ECU-IG (15 Amp.) 4 3 - Fan (30 Amp.) 5 - Cigarette Lighter and Radio (20 12 - Wiper (20 Amp.) 4 - Dome Light (20 Amp.) Amp.) A - Power (30 Amp.) 6 - ECU-B (10 Amp.) 5 - Hazard Warning Flashers; Horn B - Defroster (30 Amp.) (20 Amp.) 7 - Turn Signal (7.5 Amp.) 6 - Fan - I/UP (7.5 Amp.)

7 - Left Head (15 Amp.)

. . .184 8 - Right Head (15 Amp.) 9 - Not Used (Spare) 10 - Not Used (Spare) 11 - Not Used (Spare) 12 - AM2 (30 Amp.) a - Anti-Lock Brake System (50 Amp.) t 1 b - Alternator (100 Amp.) c - AM1 (40 Amp.) A - Electronic Fuel Injection F/HTR Relay Sngine Compartment Relay Block 'assenger Side Kick Panel B - Headlight Relay 1 - CDS (30 Amp.) 1 - Air Conditioner ( 15 Amp.) C - Engine Main Relay 2 - Air Conditioner MG Relay 2 - Heater (40 Amp.) D - Fan Relay #1 3 - Air Conditioner Fan Relay #3 E - Horn Relay 4 - Air Conditioner Fan Relay #2

185 ... Service and Appearance Care Replacement Bulbs AutomaticTransaxle ...... 158 Back-up ...... 1156 Headlight (High Beam)...... 9005 Headlight (Low Beam) ...... 9006 Heater or Air Conditioning Control ...... 74 High-MountedStop ...... 168 Indicator Lights ABSActive ...... PC745 Air ...... Bag PC745 Brake ...... 74 Check Engine ...... 74 Cruise ...... PC745 FastenBelts ...... 74 Headlight High Beam ...... 74 OilPressure ...... 74 Rear ...... Defogger 74 stop Lamp ...... 74 Turnsignal ...... 74 Volts (Battery) ...... 74 Instrument Cluster ...... 158/74 Licenseplate ...... 168 ParkingLight ...... 194 Sidemarker Front ...... 194 Rear ...... 168 TaiVStop ...... 2057 Turn Signal Front ...... 1156 Rear ...... 2057

...186 Capacities and Specifications Engine Type ...... L4 Compression Ratio ...... 9.5: 1 Firingorder ...... 1-3-4-2 Fuel Delivery ...... Multi-Port Fuel Injection Piston Displacement VIN Engine Code 6 ...... 97 CID (1.6L) VIN Engine Code 8 ...... 108 CID (1 .8L) Valve Arrangement ...... Double Overhead Cam Thermostat Temperature Specification ...... 180°F (82°C) Replacement Parts AirCleaner Filter ...... A1 164C Battery ...... 35-60 Engine Oil Filter...... GM Part No. 94842810 Spark Plug ...... GM Part No. 94853696 Wheel Nuts Wheel Nut Torque ...... 76 Ib. ft. (103 N-m) Capacities (Approximate) The following approximate capacities are givenin U.S. and metric conversions. Air Conditioning? ...... See the refrigerant information label under hood. Automatic Transaxle 3-Speed ...... 2.6qt. (2.5L)** 4-Speed ...... 3.5 qt. (3.3L)** Differential (3-speed only) ...... 1.5 qt. (1.414 t 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. 187 ... Service and Appearance Care Capacities (Approximate)- continued Cooling System Manual Transaxle VIN Engine Code 6 ...... 6.3 qt. (6.0L) VIN Engine Code 8 ...... 6.6 qt. (6.2L) Automatic Transaxle VIN Engine Code 6 ...... 6.2 qt. (5.9L) VIN Engine Code 8 ...... 6.4 qt. (6.1L) Crankcase VIN Engine Code 6 Oil Change With Filter ...... 3.2 qt. (3.0L)* Oil Change Without Filter ...... 3.0 qt. (2.8L)* VIN Engine Code8 Oil Change With Filter ...... 3.9 qt. (3.7L)* Oil Change Without Filter ...... 3.7 qt. (3.5L)* FuelTank ...... 13.2gal.(50L) Manual Transaxle ...... 2.7 qt. (2.6 L)** * When changing the oil filter, additional oilmay be needed. Recheck the oil level after filling. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. ** Recheck fluid level after filling. See “Automatic Transaxle Fluid” or “Manual Transaxle Fluid” in the Index.

Vehicle Dimensions Wheelbase ...... 97.1” 465(2mm) Tread Front ...... 57.5” ( 1 460 mm) Rear ...... 57.1 ‘I (1 450 mm) Length ...... 173.0’‘ (4 395 mm) Width ...... 66.3“ (1 685 mm) Height ...... 53.3“ 355(1 mm) ...188 Part f IMPORTANT: I Maintenance Schedule KEEP THE ENGINE OIL Section AT THE PROPER Introduction: A Word about Maintenance ...... 190 LEVEL AND CHANGE AS Your Vehicle and the Environment ...... 190 RECOMMENDED HowThis Part Is Organized ...... 190 A . ScheduledMaintenance Services ...... 191 Using Your MaintenanceSchedule ...... 191 Selecting the Right Schedule ...... 191 Schedule1 ...... 192 This part covers the Schedule11 ...... 194 maintenance required for your Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Services ...... 196 Geo . Your vehicle needs these B . OwnerChecks and Services ...... 198 services to retain its safety. At Each Fuel Fill ...... 198 dependability and emission At Least Once a Month ...... 199 control performance. At Least Twice a Year ...... 199 AtLeastOnceaYear ...... 200 C. PeriodicMaintenance Inspections ...... 203 D . Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ...... 205 E. MaintenanceRecord ...... 207

Have you purchasedthe GM Protection Plan? ThePlan supplements your new car warranties . See your GM dealerfor details. 189 ... Maintenance Schedule Introduction: A Word about Maintenance Ne at General Motors wantto help you Your Vehicle and the ceep your vehicle in good working Environment :ondition. But we don’t know exactly low you’ll drive it.You may drive very Proper vehicle maintenance not only ;hort distances only a few times a week. helps to keep your vehicle in good 3r you may drive long distances all the working condition, but also helps the :ime in very hot, dusty weather.You may environment. All recommended Jse your vehicle in making deliveries. Or maintenance procedures are important. you may drive it to work, to do errands or Improper vehicle maintenance or the .n many other ways. removal of important components can significantly affect the qualityof the air Because of all the different ways people we breathe. Improper fluid levels or even use their GM vehicles, maintenance needs the wrong tire inflation can increase the vary. You may even need more frequent level of emissions from your vehicle.To If you are skilled enough to do some :becks and replacements than you will help protect our environment, and to help work on your vehicle, you will probably find in the schedules in this part.So keep your vehicle in good condition, want to get the service information please read this part and note how you please maintain your vehicle properly. GM publishes. You will find a list of irive. If you have any questions on how publications and how to get them in this to keep your vehicle in good condition, How This Part is Organized manual. See “Service Publications’’ in see your Geo dealer, the place many GM the Index. owners choose to have their maintenance The remainder of this part is divided into five sections: “Section B: Owner Checks and Services” work done. Your dealer can be relied tells you what should be checked upon to use proper parts and practices. “Section A: Scheduled Maintenance whenever you stop for fuel. It also Services’’ shows what to have done and explains what you can easily do to help how often, Some of these services can be keep your vehicle in good condition. complex, so unless you are technically qualified and have the necessary equipment, you should let your dealer’s service department or another qualified service centerdo these jobs. I . . .I90 “Section C: Periodic Maintenance Section A: Scheduled Selecting the Risht Schedule Inspections” explains important inspections that your Geo dealer’s service Maintenance Services First you’ll need to decide which of the department or another qualified service two schedules is right for your vehicle. center should perform. Usins Your Maintenance Here’s how to decide which schedule to Schedules follow: “Section D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” lists some products GM This section tells you the maintenance Schedule I recommends to help keep your vehicle services you should have done and when Is any one of these true for your vehicle? you should schedule them.Your Geo properly maintained. These products, or Most trips are less than 4 miles (6 km). their equivalents, should be used whether dealer knows your vehicle best and wants you do the work yourself or have it done. you to be happy with it. If you go to your Most trips are less than 10 miles dealer for your service needs, you’ll know (16 km) when outside temperatures are “Section E: Maintenance Record” that GM-trained and supported service below freezing. provides a place for you to record the people will perform the work using The engine is at low speed most of the maintenance performed on your vehicle. genuine GM parts. Whenever any maintenance is performed, time (as in door-to-door delivery, or in be sure to write it down in this section. These schedules are for vehicles that: stop-and-go traffic). This will help you determine when your 0 carry passengers and cargo within You operate your vehicle in dusty next maintenance should be done. In recommended limits. You will find areas. addition, it is a good idea to keep your these limits on your vehicle’s Youtow a trailer. maintenance receipts. They may be Tire-Loading Information label. See If any one (or more)of these is true for needed to qualify your vehicle for “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index. your driving, follow ScheduleI. warranty repairs. are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal driving limits. Schedule I1 use the recommended unleaded fuel. Follow Schedule I1 & if none of the See “Fuel” in the Index. above conditions is true.

I 191.. Maintenance Schedule C \Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services Schedule I Follow Schedule I if your vehicle is WHAT TO SERVICE WHEN TO PERFORM MAINLY driven under one or moreof See “Explanation of Scheduled Miles (kilometers) orMonths ITEM the following conditions: NO. Maintenance Services” following (whichever occurssfirst). When most trips are less than 4 miles Schedules I and II. (6 km). - - When most trips are less than 10 miles -1 Engine Oil andFilter Change* Every 3,750 miles (6 250 km) or6 months. (16 km) and outside temperatures -2 Chassis Lubrication Every other oil change. remain below freezing. 3 Tire and Wheel Rotation and Inspection Every 7,500 miles (12 500 km). When most trips include extended At 60,000 miles (100000 or 72 months and 4 Engine Accessory Drive Inspection km) idling and/or frequent low-speed - then every 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months. operation, as in stop-and-go traffic. At 45,000 miles (75 000 km) or 36 months and 5 Cooling System Service* When towing a trailer. - then every 30,000 miles(50 000 km) or 24 months. When operating in dusty areas. 6 Transaxle Service See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Services” following Schedules I and 11. Schedule I should also be followed if the - Every 30,000 miles (50 000 km). vehicle is used for delivery service. police, -7 Spark Plug Replacement* See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance taxi or other commercial applications. a Air Cleaner Filter Replacement* - Services” following- Schedules I and 11. * An Emission Control Service. 9 Fuel Tank Cap Gasket Replacement* Every 60,000 miles (100 000 km) or 72months. t The US.Environmental Protection Agency - or the California Air Resources Board has 10 Fuel Lines and Connections Inspection*? Every 30,000 miles(50 000 km) or 36 months. determined that the failure to performthis -11 Evaporative Emissions Canister Inspection* Every 60,000 miles (100 000 km) or 72 months. maintenance item will notnullify the emission 12 Valve Clearance Adjustment* Every 60,000 miles (100 000 km) or 72 months. warranty or limit recall liability prior to the - See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance completion of vehicle useful life. General 13 Engine Timing Belt Replacement*? Motors, however, urges that all recommended Services” following Schedules I and 11. maintenance services be performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance he recorded in “Section E: Maintenance Record.”

. . .I92 193.., Maintenance Schedule Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services(Cont.) I Schedule /I Follow Schedule I1 ONLY if none of WHAT TO SERVICE WHEN TO PERFORM the driving conditions specified in See “Explanation of Scheduled Miles (kilometers) or Months Schedule I apply. ITEM NO. Maintenance Services” following (whichever occursjirst). Schedules I and 11. * An Emission Control Service. A 7 The US.Environmental Protection Agency Engine Oil and Filter Change* Every 7,500 miles (12 500 km)or 12 months. or the California Air ResourcesBoard has determined that the failure to performthis Chassis Lubrication Every 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months. At 7,500 miles (12 500 and then every maintenance item will not nullify the emission 3 Tire and Wheel Rotation and Inspection km) warranty or limit recall liability prior tothe 15,000 miles (25 000 km) or asnecessary. completion of vehicle useful life. General At miles (100 km) or 72 months and 4 Engine Accessory Drive Inspection 60,000 000 Motors, however, urges that all recommended then every 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months, maintenance services be performedat the At 45,000 miles (75 or 36 months and Cooling System Service* 000 km) indicated intervals and the maintenance be 5 then every 30,000miles (50 000 km) or 24 months. recorded in “SectionE: Maintenance Record.” Transaxle Service See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Services” following Schedules I and 11. I - SDark Plug Reulacement” I Every 30,000 miles (50 000 km). See “Explanation of Scheduled.Maintenance Air Cleaner Filter Replacement* Services” followine Schedules I and 11. I1- w Fuel Tank CaD Gasket ReIdacement* I Every 60,000miles (100 000 km) or 72 months. Fuel Lines and Connections Inspection*t Every 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 36 months. Evaporative Emissions Canister Inspection* Every 60,000 miles (100 000 km) or 72 months. Valve Clearance Adjustment* Every 60,000 miles (100 000 km) or 72 months.

. . .I94 ~ I The servicesshown on chartthisup to 75,000 miles (125 000 km) shouldperformedbe after 75,000 miles (125 000 km) 1 ~ I at thesame intervals. I

195 ... Maintenance Schedule Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services(Cont.) ITEM NO. SERVICE ITEM Explanation of Scheduled 5 CoolingSystem Service* - NO. SERVICE Maintenance Services Drain, flush and refill the system I 2 ChassisLubrication - Lubricate with new or approved recycled Following are explanations of the services the transaxle shift linkage, listed in Schedule I and Schedule11. coolant conforming to GM parking brake cable guides, Specification 1825M. Keep The proper fluids and lubricants to use are underbody contact points and coolant at the proper mixture listed in SectionD. Make sure whoever linkage. as specified. See “Coolant” in services your vehicle uses these. All parts the Index. This provides proper should be replaced and all necessary 3 Tireand Wheel Rotation and Inspection - For proper wear and freeze and boil protection, repairs done beforeyou or anyone else corrosion inhibitor level and drives the vehicle. maximum tire life, rotate your tires following the instructions maintains proper engine ITEM in this manual. See “Tires, operating temperature. NO. SERVICE Inspection and Rotation” in the Inspect hoses and replaceif 1 EngineOil and Filter Change* - Index. Check the tires for they are cracked, swollen or Always use SH orSG Energy uneven wear or damage. If you deteriorated. Tighten screw- Conserving I1 oils of proper see irregular or premature wear, type hose clamps. Clean the viscosity. The “SH” or “SG” check the wheel alignment. outside of the radiator and air designation may be shown Check for damaged wheels also. conditioning condenser. Wash alone, or in combination with 4 Engine Accessory Drive Belt(s1 the pressure cap and neck. others, such as “SH/CD,” Inspection - Inspect the belt(s) To help ensure proper operation, “SH, SG, CD,” “SG/CD,” etc. for cracks, fraying, wear and we recommend a pressure test of To determine the preferred proper tension. Replace as both the cooling systemwd the viscosity for your vehicle’s needed. (Belts can have many pressure cap. engine (e.g., SAE 5W-30 or small cracks in individual ribs SAE 10W-30), see “Engine Oil” without affecting performance.) in the Index.

*AnEmission Control Service. . . .I96 ITEM ITEM ITEM NO.SERVICE NO. SERVICE NO. SERVICE 6 TransaxleService - Change 8 Air Cleaner Filter Replacement*- 12 Valve Clearance Adjustment” - the fluid in the transaxle and Replace every 30,000 miles The valve clearance should be differential every 15,000 miles (50 000 km) or more often adjusted to factory specifications. (25 000 km) if the vehicle is under dusty conditions. Ask your 13 Engine Timing Belt mainly driven under one or more dealer for the proper replacement Replacement*? - Replace at of these conditions: intervals for your driving 60,000 miles (100 000 km) for In heavy city traffic where the conditions. vehicles frequently idled for outside temperature regularly 9 Fuel Tank Cap Gasket extensive periods and/or driven reaches 90°F (32°C) or Replacement” - Replace the for long distances at low speed, higher. gasket. Make surethe new gasket such as found in police, taxi or In hilly or mountainous is properly installed. door-to-door delivery service. terrain. 10 Fuel Lines and Connections When doing frequent trailer Inspection*? - Inspect fuel towing. lines, connections and tank band for corrosion, damage, cracksor Uses such as found in taxi, loose or leaking connections. police car or delivery service. Tighten the connections or I: An Emission Control Service. If you do not use your vehicle replace the parts as necessary. b The US.Environmental Protection Agency under any of these conditions, Periodic replacement of the fuel or the California Air Resources Board has inspect the fluid every filter is not required. determined that the failure to perform this 15,000 miles (25 000 km). 11 Evaporative Emissions Canister maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior tothe 7 SparkPlug Replacement” - Inspection” - Inspect for internal completion of vehicle useful life. General Replace spark plugs with the damage or clogging. Clean with Motors, however; urges that all recommended proper type. See “Replacement compressed air or replaceif maintenance services be performed at the Parts’’ in the Index. necessary. indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded in “Section E: Maintenance Record. ’’ 197 ... Maintenance Schedule Section B: Owner Checks and Services Listed below are owner checks and services which should be performed at the intervals specified to help ensure the safety, dependability and emission control performanceof your vehicle. Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. Whenever any fluids or lubricantsare added to your vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown in SectionD.

At Each Fuel Fill (It is important foryou or a service station attendantto pertorm these underhood checks at each fuelfiih) CHECK I OR SERVICE WHAT TO DO I Engine Oil Level Check the engine oil level and add the proper oilif necessary. See “Engine Oil” in the Index for further details. I Engine Coolant Level Check the engine coolant level and add the proper coolant mixif necessary. See “Coolant” in the Index for further details. Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer tank and add the proper iffluid Fluid Level necessary. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the Index for further details. Hood Latch Operation Pull the primary hood latch release handle inside the vehicle. The secondary latch should keep the hood from opening all the way when the primary latch is released. Make sure the hood closes Ifirmly. See “Hood Release” in the Index for further details.

. . .I98 At least Once a Month CHECK OR SERVICE WHAT TO DO Tire Inflation Check tire inflation. Make sure they are inflated to the pressures specified on the Tire-Loading Information label located on the insideof the glove box door. See “Tires” in the Index for further details. Cassette Deck Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every15 hours of tape play. See “Audio Systems” in the Index for further details. At feast Twice a Year CHECK OR SERVICE WHAT TO DO Fluid Level Check Check the power steering pump, hydraulic clutch and automatic or manual transaxle fluid levels and add as needed. See “Power Steering,” “Hydraulic Clutch” and ‘‘Automatic Transaxle” or “Manual Transaxle” in the Index. A fluid loss in these systems could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired at once.

199 ... Maintenance Schedule Section B: Owner Checks and Services (Cont.) At least Once a Year

CHECK WHAT TO DO OR SERVICE Key Lock Cylinders

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, andbe ready to turn off theengine immediately if it starts. 3. On automatic transaxle 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 transaxle vehicles,put the shift lever in “N” (Neutral), push the clutch down halfway and try to start the engine. The starter should work only when the clutchis pushed down all the way to the floor. If the starter workswhen the clutch isn’t pushedall the way down, your vehicle needs service.

. . .200 At Least Once a Year (CONI)

WHAT TO DO

Brake Transaxle Shift Interlock - BTSI (Automatic Transaxle) 1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle. It should be parkedon 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 immediatelyif the vehicle begins to move. 3. With the engine off, turn the key to the “ON” position, but don’tstart the engine. Without applying the regular brake, try to move the shift lever of out “P” (Park) with normal effort. If the shift lever moves outof “P” (Park) , your vehicle’s BTSI needs service.

~ ~~ Steering Column Lock While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the key “LOCK” to in each shift lever position. 0 With an automatic transaxle, the key should turn to“LOCK” only when the shift lever is in “P” (Park). With a manual transaxle, the key should turn to“LOCK” only if you push the key in farther, while turning it towards “LOCK.”

201 . . . Maintenance Schedule Section B: Owner Checks and Services (Cont.) At Least Once a Year (CONT.) CHECK WHAT TO DO OR SERVICE

. . .202 Maintenance Schedule Section C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections Listed below are inspections and services which should be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring and fall). You should let yourGM dealer’s service department or other qualified service centerdo these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.

INSPECTION OR SERVICE I WHAT SHOULD BE DONE Restraint Systems Now and then, make sure all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, anchorages and reminder systems are working properly. Look for any loose parts or damage.If you see anything that might keep a restraint system from doing itsjob, have it repaired. Steering, Suspension Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts, and Front-Wheel-Drive signs of wear, or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering lines and hoses for proper Axle Boot and Seal hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive axle boot seals Inspection for damage, tearsor leakage. Replace sealsif necessary. Exhaust System Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body nearthe exhaust system. Look for broken, Inspection damaged, missing or out-of-position parts as wellas open seams, holes, loose connections, or other conditions which could cause a heat build-up in the floor orpan 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 damagedor missing parts. Inspection Replace parts as needed.

203. . . Maintenance Schedule Section C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections (Cont.)

INSPECTION WHAT SHOULD BE DONE 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 rotorsfor 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 oftenif your driving habits or conditions result in frequent braking. NOTE: A low brake fluid level can indicate worn disc brake pads which may needto be serviced. Also, if the brake system warning light stays on or comes on, something may be wrong with the brake system. See “Brake System Warning Light” in the Index. If your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes and the anti-lock brake system warning light stays on, comes on or flashes, something may be wrong with the anti-lock brake system. See “Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light” in the Index.

Additiunal Service Center Inspection The inspection listed below should be performed by your Geo dealer’s service department or some other qualified service center. Make sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.

INSPECTION OR SERVICE WHAT SHOULD BE DONE The air bag system should be inspectedby a qualified technicianat 120 months. After 120 Insuection months, have the system inspected every24 months.

. . ,204 Maintenance Schedule Section D: Recommended Fluids & Lubr*icants

NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number or specification may be obtained from your GM Dealer. USAGE FLUlDlLUBRlCANT Engine Oil API service SH or SG Energy Conserving I1 oils of the proper viscosity. The “SH” designation may be shown alone or in combination with others, such as“SH/CD,” or “SH, SG, CD,” “SG/CD,” etc. To determine the preferred 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 or equivalent) conforming to GM Specification 1825M or approved recycled coolant conforming to GM Specification 1825M.

Hydraulic Brake Delco-Supreme 11@ Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 1052535 or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid). System Hydraulic Clutch Hydraulic Clutch Fluid (GM Part No. 12345347 or equivalent). System Power Steering System Dexrona-IIE Automatic Transmission Fluid. Manual Transaxle SAE 75W-90 GL-4 (GM Part No. 12346074 Castrol@ Syntorq GL-4 or equivalent) SAE or 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Lubricant. Automatic Transaxle DEXRON@-I11 or DEXRON@-IIE Automatic Transmission Fluid. Key Lock Cylinders Lubricate with Multi-Purpose Lubricant (GM Part No. 12345120) or synthetic SAE 5W-30 engine oil. Manual Transaxle Chassis lubricant (GM Part No. 1052497 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting requirements of Shift Linkage NLGI Grade 2, Category LB or GC-LB.

205. . Maintenance Schedule Section D: Recommended Fluids & Lubricants (Cont.) USAGE FLUlDlLUBRlCANT I Automatic Transaxle Engine oil. Shift Linkage Floor Shift Linkage Engine oil.

~~~ Clutch Linkage Pivot Lithium base grease. Points Chassis Lubrication Chassis lubricant (GM PartNo. 1052497 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting requirementsof NLGI Grade 2, Category LB or GC-LB. Windshield Washer GM Optikleen@Washer Solvent (GM Part No. 105 1515) or equivalent. Solvent I Hood Latch Assembly a. Pivots and Spring a. Engine oil or Lubriplate Lubricant (GM Part No. 1050109). Anchor b. Release Pawl b. Chassis lubricant (GM Part No. 1052497 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI Grade 2, CategoryLB or GC-LB. Body Door Hinge Pins, Engine oil or Lubriplate Lubricant (GM PartNo. 1050109). Folding Seat, Fuel Door Hinge, Rear Compart- ment Lid Hinges Weatherstrips DielectricSiliconePartGrease(GM No. equivalent).12345579 or I

See “Replacement Parts” in the Index for recommended replacement filters, valves and spark plugs.

. . ,206 Maintenance Schedule Section E: Maintenance Record After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading and who performedthe service in the columns indicated. When completing the Maintenance Performed column, insert the numbers from the ScheduleI or Schedule I1 maintenance charts which correspond to the maintenance performed. Also,you should retain all maintenance receipts.Your owner information portfoliois a convenient place to store them.

ODOMETER DATE SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED READING

207. I Maintenance Schedule Section E: Maintenance Record (Cont.)

~ ~ ODOMETER DATE SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED READING

. . .208 ODOMETER DATE SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED READING Maintenance Schedule Section E: Maintenance Record (Cont.)

DATE ODOMETER SERVICED BY MAINTENANCEPERFORMED I READING I I I

I I I I I I I

. . .210 DATE ODOMETER SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED READING

211 ... Maintenance Schedule Section E: Maintenance Record (Cont.)

ODOMETER DATE SERVICED BY MAINTENANCEPERFORMED READING

. .212 Part 8 Customer Assistance Information

Here you will find out howto Customer Satisfaction Procedure ...... 214 Customer Assistance for the Hearing or Speech Impaired ...... 214 contact ChevroleVGeoif you GM Participation in BBB AUTO LINE .Alternative need . assistance This part also . Dispute Resolution Program ...... 215 tells you how to obtain service Reporting Safety Defects ...... 216 publications and howto report ChevroletIGeo Roadside Assistance Program ...... 217 any safety defects. Canadian Roadside Assistance ...... 217 Courtesy Transportation ...... 217 Service Publications...... 218

213 .. Customer Assistance Information Customer of Canada Customer Assistance Centerin C hevroletIGeo Satisfaction Oshawa by calling 1-800-263-3777 Customer Assistance Center Procedure (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French). In P.O. Box 7047 Your satisfaction and goodwill are Mexico, call (525) 254-3777. In Puerto Troy, MI 48007-7047 important to your dealer and Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands, call Refer to your Warranty and Owner ChevroletIGeo. Normally, any concern 1-809-763- 13 15.In all other overseas Assistance Information bookletfor with the sales transaction or the operation locations, contact GM North American addresses of Canadian and GM Overseas of your vehicle will be resolvedby your Export Sales in Canada by calling offices. 1-905-644-41 12. dealer’s Sales or Service Departments. When contacting ChevroletIGeo, please Sometimes, however,despite the best For prompt assistance, please have the remember that your concern will likely be intentions of all concerned, following information available to give resolved in the dealership, using the misunderstandings can occur.If your the Customer Assistance Representative: dealership’s facilities, equipment and concern has not been resolved to your 0 Your name, address, home and personnel. That is.why we suggest you satisfaction, the followingsteps should be business telephone numbers follow Step One first if you have a taken: 0 Vehicle Identification Number (This is concern. STEP ONE: Discuss your concernwith a available from the vehicle registration member of dealership management. or title, or the plate at the left topof Customer Assistance for the Hearingor Normally, concerns can be quickly the instrument panel and visible Speech Impaired (TDD) resolved at that level.If the matter has through the windshield.) To assist customers who have hearing already been reviewed withthe Sales, Dealership name and location difficulties, ChevroletIGeo has installed Service, or Parts Manager, contact the special TDD (Telecommunication owner of the dealershipor the General 0 Vehicle delivery date and present Devices for the Deaf) equipment at its Manager. mileage Customer Assistance Center.Any hearing STEP TWO: If after contacting a 0 Nature of concern or speech impaired customer who has member of dealership management, it We encourage you to call the toll-free access to a TDD or a conventional appears your concern cannotbe resolved number listed previously in order to give teletypewriter (TTY) can communicate by the dealership withoutfurther help, your inquiry prompt attention. However, with Chevrolet by dialing: contact the ChevroletIGeo Customer if you wish to write Chevrolet/Geo, write 1-800-TDD-CHEV (1-800-833-2438)- Assistance Center by calling to: (TDD users in Canada can dial 1-800-222- 1020.In Canada, contact GM 1-800-263-3830.) . . .214 GM Participation If you are not satisfied after following the The arbitrator will make a decision which in Customer Satisfaction Procedure, you you may accept or reject.If you accept BBB AUTO LINE - may contact the BBB using the toll-free the decision, GM will be bound by that Alternative Dispute telephone number, or write them atthe decision. The entire dispute resolution following address: procedure should ordinarily take about Resolution Program * BBB AUTO LINE forty days fromthe time you file a claim Both ChevroletIGeo and your Council of Better Business Bureaus until a decision is made. ChevroletIGeo dealerare committed to 4200 Wilson Boulevard Some state laws may require youto use making sure you are completelysatisfied Suite 800 this program beforefiling a claim with a with your new vehicle. Ourexperience Arlington, VA 22203 state-run arbitration programor in the has shown that, ifa situation arises where Telephone: 1-890-955-5100 courts. For further information, contact you feel your concern has not been the BBB at 1-800-955-5100 or the adequately addressed, the Customer To file a claim, you will be as ;kecJ to Chevrolet/Geo Customer Assistance Satisfaction Procedure describedearlier in provide your name and address, your Center at 1-800-222- 1020. this section is very successful. vehicle identification number (VIN), and a statement of the natureof your *This programmay not be available in There may be instances where an complaint. Eligibility is limited by vehicle all states, depending on state law. impartial third-party can assist inarriving age and mileage, and other factors. Canadian owners referto your at a solution to a disagreement regarding Warranty and Owner Assistance vehicle repairs or interpretation of the We prefer you utilizethe Customer information booklet. General Motors New Vehicle Limited Warranty.To assist Satisfaction Procedure before you resort reserves the rightto change eligibility in resolving these disagreements to AUTO LINE, but you may contact the limitations and/or to discontinue its ChevroletIGeo voluntarily participatesin BBB at any time. The BBB will attempt participation in this program. BBB AUTO LINE. to resolve the complaint serving as an intermediary between you and BBB AUTO LINE is an out-of-court ChevroletIGeo. If this mediation is program administered bythe Better unsuccessful, an informal hearing willbe Business Bureau systemto settle disputes scheduled where eligible customers may between customers and automobile present their case to an impartial manufacturers. This programis available third-party arbitrator. free of charge to customerswho currently own or lease a GM vehicle. 215 ... Customer Assistance Information Reporting Safety Reporting Safety Reporting Safety Defects to the United Defects to the Canadian Defects to General States Government Government Motors If you believe that your vehicle hasa [f you live in Canada, and you believe [n addition to notifying NHTSA (or defect which could causea crash or could that your vehicle hasa safety defect,you Transport Canada) ina situation like this, cause injury or death, you should should immediately notify Transport we certainly hope you’ll notifyus. Please immediately inform the National Canada, in addition to notifying General call us at 1-800-222- 1020 ,or write: Highway Traffic Safety Administration Motors of Canada Limited. You may Chevrolet/Geo (NHTSA), in addition to notifying write to: Customer Assistance Center General Motors. Transport Canada P.O. Box 7047 If NHTSA receives similar complaints,it Box 8880 Troy, MI 48007-7047 may open an investigation, and if findsit Ottawa, Ontario K1G 352 In Canada, please call us at that a safety defect existsin a group of 1-800-263-3777 (English) or vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy 1-800-263-7854 (French). campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems Or, write: between you, your dealer,or General General Motorsof Canada Limited Motors. Customer Assistance Center To contact NHTSA, you may either call 1908 Colonel Sam Drive the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8W 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in the Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA U.S. Department of Transportation Washington, D.C. 20590 You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety fromthe Hotline. . . .216 recommended service providers. The Canadian Roadside following services are available: Towing Assistance Locksmith Vehicles purchased in CANADA have an extensive ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TireRepair Program accessible from anywhere in 0 Rental car or taxi Canada or the U.S.A. Pleaserefer to the 0 Additional services as necessary separate brochure providedby the dealer or call 1-800-268-6800 for emergency The Roadside Assistance Center uses services. companies that will provide you with quality and priority service. When Courtesy I roadside services are required, our I Chevrolet/Geo advisors will explainany payment Transportation Roadside Assistance obligations that may be incurred for Chevrolet/Geo offers Courtesy utilizing outside services. Transportation for customers needing Program warranty service. Courtesy Transportation For prompt assistancewhen calling, will be offered in conjunction withthe '0 enhance Chevrolet/Geo's strong please have the followingavailable to coverage providedby the BUMPER TO Commitment to customer satisfaction, give to the advisor: CIhevrolet/Geo is excited to provide the BUMPER New Vehicle Limited Warranty ervices of the Chevrolet/Geo Roadside VehicleIdentification Number to retail and retail lease purchasers of P issistance Center. 0 License plate number 1994 Chevrolet/Geo passenger cars and ELoadside Assistance is available 24 hours Vehicle color light-duty trucks. a day, 365 days a year, by calling Vehiclelocation Courtesy Transportation includes: 1 -800-CHEW USA (1-800-243-8872). 0 One-way SHUTTLE RIDE for any 'his toll-free number will provide you Telephone number where you can be reached warranty repair completed during the 0Iver-the-phone roadside assistance with same day. nninor mechanical problems. If your Vehiclemileage lroblem cannot be resolved over the Up to $30 maximum daily VEHICLE P Description of problem RENTAL allowance for any overnight Phone, our advisors have access toa n,ationwide network of dealer warranty repair up to 5 days. OR 217 ... Customer Assistance Information 0 Up to $30 maximum daily CAB, Service Publications repair a new or unexpected condition. BUS, or OTHER public transportation Others describe a quicker way to fix your allowance in lieuof rental for any Information on how to obtain Product vehicle. They can helpa technician overnight warranty repairup to 5 Service Publications (PSP’s) and Indexes service your vehicle better. as described belowis applicable only in days. Most bulletins apply to conditions OR the fifty U.S. states (and the Districtof Columbia) and onlyfor cars and light affecting a small number of cars or trucks. 0 Up to $10 daily FUEL allowance for trucks with GVWR less than 10,OOO Your ChevroletfGeo dealeror a qualified rides provided by another person (i.e., technician may have to determine ifa pounds (4 kg). friend, neighbor, etc.) in lieu of rental 536 specific bulletin appliesto your vehicle. or other public transportation’for any In Canada, information pertaining to overnight warranty repairup to 5 Product Service Bulletins and Indexescan Individual PSP’s be obtained by writing to: days. If you don’t want to buy all the PSP’s Note: All Courtesy ’Ransportation General Motorsof Canada Limited issued by ChevroletlGeo for all car or arrangements will be administeredby Service Publications Department truck models in the model year, youcan your Chevrolet/Geo dealership service 1908 Cplonel SamDr. buy individual PSP’s, suchas those which management. Claim amounts should Oshawg, Ontario L1H 8P7 may pertain to a particular model.To do reflect all actualcosts. ChevroletfGeo regularly sendsits dealers this, you will first needto see our index of 0 Chevrolet/GeoCourtesy useful service bulletins about PSP’s. It provides a variety of Transporntion is not part of the Chevrolet/Geo products. ChevroletfGeo information. Here’s what you’ll findin BUMPER TO BUMPER New Vehicle monitors product performance inthe the index andhow you can get one: Limited Warranty. Chevrolet/Geo field. We then prepare bulletinsfor reseryes the right to make any changes servicing our products better. Now,you What You’ll Findin the Index: or discontinue Courtesy can get these bulletinstoo. 0 4 list of all PSP’s published by Transportation at any time without Bulletins cover various subjects. Some ChevroIetfGeo in a model year (1990 notification. pertgn to the proper use andcare of your or later). PSP’s covering all models of 0 For additional program details, contact vehicle. Some describe costly repairs. ChevroletfGeo cars or light trucks your Chevrolet/Geo dealer. Others d9scribe inexpensiverepairs (less than 10,000 pounds (4 536 kg) In Canada, please consult yourGM which, if done on time with the latest GVWp) are listed in the same index. Dealer for information op courtesy parts, may avoid futuqe costly repairs. transportation. Some bulletins tella technician how to . . .218 0 Ordering information so you can buy Toll-Free Telephone Number the specific PSP’s you may want. [f you want an additional ordering form 0 Price information for the PSP’s you for an index, just call toll-free and we’ll may want to buy. be happy to send you one. Automated recording equipment willtake your name How You Can Get an Index: and mailing address. The numberto call Indexes are published periodically. Most is 1-800-551-4123. of the PSP’s which could potentially A VERY IMPORTANT REMINDER: apply to the most recent ChevroletIGeo These PSP’s are meant for technicians. models will be listed in the most recent They are not meantfor the publication for that model year.This “do-it-yourselfer.” Technicians havethe means you may wantto wait until the end equipment, tools, safety instructions, and of the model year before ordering an know-how to do a job quickly and safely. index, if you are interested in buying PSP’s pertaining to a current model year Chevrolet/Geo Service Publications car or truck. You can get these by using theorder Some PSP’s pertaining to a particular form. model year vehicle may be publishedin later years, and these would be listed in the later year’s index. When you order an index for a model year that is not over yet, we’ll send you the most recently published issue. Check the ordering form for indexes for earlier model years. Cut out the ordering form, fill it out, and mail it in. We will then see toit that an index is mailed to you. There is no charge for indexes for the 1990-1994 model years.

219 ... Customer Assistance Information 1994 CHEVROLET/GEO SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION The following publications covering the operationand servicing of your vehicle can be purchasedby filling out the Service Publications Order Form in this book and mailingit with your check, money order creditor card information to Helm, Incorporated(address listed below). CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR1994 GEO PRlZM PRODUCT SERVICE PUBLICATIONS SERVICE MANUALS Product Service Publications (PSP’s), are bulletins, letters and articlesService Manualshave thediagnosis, repair and overhaul information published for trained dealer service personnel. See ServicePublica- on engines, transmission,axle, suspension, brakes, electrical, steer- tions listed previously in this section. ing, body, etc. A cumulative index ispublished Number quarterly during theForm current model Model Price year. The indexeslist all PSP’s publishedby Chevroletin the modelyear. 1994Geo Prizm ...... ST-373-94 TBA* PSP Index NOTE: Please specify special body orengine types on order form. Write information in the Form Number column.For example: Turbo, Price YearForm Number Convertible. 1994 PSPI-94...... Free 1993 PSPI-93...... Free ‘Price to be announced at a later date.1-800-7824356 Call for further information. 1990-92PSPI-90-92 ...... Free OWNER’S INFORMATION Owner publications are written directlyOwners for and intendedto pro- PSP Bound Bulletin Book (Complete Year Bulletins) vide basic operational information about the vehicle. The Owner’s Year Description Form Number PriceNumber Form Description Year Manual includes the Maintenance Schedule forall models. 1991 All PSP’S ...... 40.00 PSP-91-4 1994 Geo Prizm Owner’s Manual 1990 All PSP’S ...... PSP-90-4 40.00 In Portfolio:Includes RMoIio, Owner‘s Manualand Warranty Booklet. For subscription information call Helm, Incorporated. 1994Geo PrizmIn-Portfolio ...... 10260661 $15.00 Without Portfolio: Includes Owner’s Manual. 1994Geo PrizmWithout Portfolio ...... I0260664 $10.00

CURRENT & PASTMODEL ORDER FORMS Addressinquiries all to: HELM, INCORPORATED Service Publications are available for current and past model PO. Box 07130 Chevrolet/Geo vehicles.To request an order form, please specify year Detroit, MI 48207 and model namemodel and vehicle. of 1-800-782-4356For call:inquiries information and

. .220 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 1-800-78214356 (Monday-Friday 8:OO A.M.-6:00 P.M. EST)

PUBLICATION FORM NUMBER ITEM DESCRIPTION VEHICLE MODEL NAME I I I S T -37 3-9 4 Service Manual Geo Prizm 1 Prizm Geo Manual Service ST-373-94 -994 TBA** ~ 10260661 Owner’s Manual In-Portfolio Geo Prizm $1 1 -994 5.00 10260664 Owner’s Manual Without-Portfolio %10.00Geo Prizm 994 1

TOTAL MATERIAL NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealeror company name, and 0 Check or Money Michigan Purchasefs also the nameof the personto whose attention the shipment shouldbe sent. Order payable to add 4% sales tax For purchases outsideU.S.A. please writeto the above address for quotation. Helm, Inc. (USA Handling Charge $4.00 funds only - do not send cash.) Canadian Postage (See Note Below) (CUS TOM ER NAME) (CUSTOMER (AlTENTION) 0MastetCard Discover GRAND TOTAL 0VISA 0Card - . (STREET ADDRESS-NOP.O. BOX NUMBERS)NO.)(APT. A cco unt Number:Account [TI m] Expiration Check here if your billing rladdress is ditferent from your (Crrv) (STATE) (ZIP CODE) m Date molyr: shipping address shown. AREA DAYTIME TELEPHONE NO. CODE ( (CUSTOMER SIGNATURE) *Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring obligation. NOTE TO CANADIAN CUSTOMERS:All listed prices are quoted in U.S. funds. Canadianresidents are to in $1 U.S. t t price lok announc. a laeratem all 1.8~782.~56 for further ln~,,,,alion. make checks payable U.S.funds. To cover Canadian postage, add1.50plusthe Handling Charge. Requests for manualsprinted in French should be directed to Canadian GeneralMotors dealerships. Orders cannot be returned without prior authorization. A restocking fee may apply. piwse tirne for pmalservice.

221 . . Notes

. . .222 Ashtray.Front ...... 68 Brakes ABS ...... 101 Ashtray.Rear ...... 68 System Parts. Replacing ...... 162 Add-on Electrical Equipment ..... 182 Ashtraysand Lighter ...... 68 SystemWarning Light ...... 75 Adding Coolant ...... 157 AssistGrips. Passenger ...... 68 Trailer ...... 116 Additives. Engine Oil ...... 152 AudioSystems ...... 85 Wear ...... 161 Adjuster.Shoulder Belt Height .... 18 Audio Systems. Comfort Braking (Control of a Vehicle) ..... 100 AirBags ...... 20 Controlsand ...... 81 Braking in Emergencies ...... 102 How the System Works ...... 22 AutomaticTransaxle ...... 47 “Break.In. .. NewVehicle ...... 44 ReadinessLight ...... 21 Automatic Transaxle Fluid ...... 154 BrightnessControl ...... 59 Servicing Your Geo with the BulbReplacement ...... 163 AirBag System ...... 24 Babies. Smaller Children Back-upLight ...... 168 Air Cleaner ...... 153 and(Safety Belts) ...... 28 Center High-Mounted AirConditioner Controls ...... 83 Balance. Wheel Alignment Stoplight ...... 166 Air Filter Replacement ...... 154 andTire ...... 174 FrontSidemarker ...... 164 Air Intake Lever ...... 82 Battery ...... 162 Front Turn Signal ...... 164 AifflowKnob ...... 82 BBB Auto Line- Alternative Dispute Headlights ...... 163 Alignment and Tire Balance. Resolution Program. License Plate Light ...... 168 Wheel ...... 174 GM Participation in ...... 215 Parking Lights ...... 165 AluminumWheels ...... 179 Before Leaving on a Long Trip .... 110 Rear Combination Lights ...... 167 AM/FM Stereo ...... 86 Belt.Lap ...... 27 Bulbs. Halogen ...... 163 With Cassette Tape and Compact Belt.Lap-Shoulder ...... 16 Bulbs.Replaoement ...... 186 DiscPlayer ...... 91 Bi-Level ...... 82 WithCassette Tape Player ...... 87 Blizzard,.If You’re Caught in a ... 113 Canadian Roadside Assistance ... 217 Antenna ...... 96 Box. Glove ...... 67 Capacities and Specifications ...... 187 Anti-LockBrakes ...... 101 Brakes CarbonMonoxide ...... 54 SystemActive Light ...... 76 Adjustment ...... 162 Care SystemWarning Light ...... 76 Anti-Lock(ABS) ...... 101 Appearance ...... 176 To Use ...... 102 Fluid ...... 161 Cassette Tape Player ...... 95 Appearance Care ...... 176 MasterCylinder ...... 160 CompactDiscs ...... 96 Appearance Care and Materials .... 181 Parking ...... 51 SqfetyBelts ...... 178 Appearance Care. Service and ..... 143 PedalTravel ...... 162 223 . . Index Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player. Children.Larger (Safety Belts) .... 35 Controls AM/FMStereo with ...... 91 CigaretteLighter ...... 69 AirConditioner ...... 83 Cassette Tape Player. AM/FM Circuit Breakers. Fuses and ...... 183 Brightness ...... 59 Stereowith ...... 87 CityDriving ...... 108 Comfort ...... 82 Cassette Tape Player. Cleaner.Air ...... 153 Featuresand ...... 39 Care ofYour ...... 95 Cleaning Heater ...... 82 Cassette Tape. To Play a AluminumWheels ...... 179 Seat ...... 8 AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and Fabric ...... 177 ConvexOutside Mirror ...... 64 CompactDisc Player ...... 92 Glass ...... 178 Coolant AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Inside of Your Geo ...... 176 Adding ...... 157 Player ...... 88 Instrument Panel. Top of ...... 178 Engine ...... 156 Center Passenger Position (Safety Leather ...... 178 How to Add to the Coolant Belts) ...... 27 Outside ofYour Geo ...... 179 RecoveryTdnk ...... 130 Center Rear Seat Position. Securing a Problems.Special ...... 177 How to Add to the Radiator ..... 132 ChildRestraint in the ...... 32 Tires ...... 180 TemperatureGage. Engine ...... 77 Chains.Tire ...... 174 Vinyl ...... 178 Cooling ...... 83 Changing a Flat Tire ...... 134 Windshield and Wiper Blades ... 179 CoolingSystem ...... 129 ChargingSystem Light ...... 78 Clock.Setting the ...... 86 Courtesy Transportation ...... 217 CheckEngine Light ...... 78 Clutch.Hydraulic ...... 156 CruiseControl ...... 61 Checking Things under the Hood . . 147 ComfortControls ...... 82 Passing Another Vehicle Checking Your RestraintSystems . . 37 Comfort Controls and Audio WhileUsing ...... 62 Chemical Paint Spotting ...... 180 Systems ...... 81 To EraseSpeed Memory ...... 62 Chevrolet/Geo Roadside CompactDisc. To Play a ...... 93 To GetOut of ...... 62 AssistanceProgram ...... 217 Compact Disc Player. AM/FM To Increase Speed While Using . . 62 Child RestraintsChild ...... 29 Stereowith Cassette Tape and ... 91 To ReduceSpeed While Using . . 62 CenterRear Seat ...... 32 Compact Discs. Care of Your ...... 96 ToResume a Set Speed ...... 62 RearOutside Position ...... 30 Compact Spare Tire ...... 14 1 ToSet ...... 61 RightFront Seat ...... 33 Compartments.Storage and ...... 66 Usingon Hills ...... 62 TopStrap ...... 30 ConsoleStorage Area ...... 66 Cupholder ...... 66 Whereto Put the ...... 29 '2ontrol of a Vehicle ...... 100 Curves. Driving on ...... 102 Children(Safety Belts) ...... 28 Zontrol. Loss of ...... 105 ...224 Customer Assistance for the Hearing Driving Environment. Your Vehicle orSpeech Impaired (TDD) ..... 214 AtNight ...... 106 and the ...... 190 Customer Assistance Information . . 2 13 City ...... 108 Exhaust.Engine ...... 54 Customer Satisfaction Procedure ... 214 Defensive ...... 98 Explanation of Scheduled Drunken ...... 98 MaintenanceServices ...... 196 DeepStanding Water. Freeway ...... 109 Extender.Safety Belt ...... 37 Drivingthrough ...... 46 Inthe Rain ...... 107 Defects. Safety OnCurves ...... 102 Fabric Protection ...... 177 Reporting to General Motors .... 2 16 OnSnow or Ice ...... 112 Fan Knob ...... 82 Reporting to the Canadian ThroughDeep Standing Water ... 46 Featuresand Controls ...... 39 Government ...... 2 16 Winter ...... 1 12 Filling YourTank ...... 146 Reporting to the United States With a Trailer ...... 1 17 Filter. Air. Replacement ...... 154 Government ...... 2 16 DrunkenDriving ...... 98 Finish Care (Paint) ...... 179 DefensiveDriving ...... 98 FinishDamage (Paint) ...... 180 Defogger.Rear Window ...... 84 Electrical Equipment, Add-on ... 182 Flash-to-Pass ...... 58 Defogging and Defrosting ElectricMirror Control ...... 64 Flashers.Hazard Warning ...... 120 Windows ...... 83 Emergencies,Braking in ...... 102 Flat Tire. Changing a ...... 134 Dehumidifying ...... 83 Emergencies,Steering in ...... 103 Flat. If a Tire Goes ...... 134 Dimensions.Vehicle ...... 188 Engine Flow-ThroughVentilation System . . 84 Doing Your Own Service Work .... 144 Compartment Fuse Block ...... 184 Fluid DomeLight ...... 58 Compartment Relay Block ...... 185 AutomaticTransaxle ...... 154 DoorLocks ...... 41 Coolant ...... 156 Brake ...... 161 DoorLocks. Power ...... 42 CoolantTemperature Gage ..... 77 Manual Transaxle ...... 155 DoorStorage Compartments ...... 66 Exhaust ...... 54 PowerSteering ...... 158 DoorWarning Light ...... 79 Identification ...... 182 Recommended ...... 205 DriverPosition (Safety Belts) ..... 16 Oil ...... 150 WindshieldWasher ...... 159 Driver Side Instrument Panel Fuse OilPressure Light ...... 77 FoldingSeatback. Rear ...... 10 Block ...... 184 Overheating ...... 128 ForeignCountries. Fuels in ...... 145 Specifications ...... 187 Foreign Material Paint Damage .... 180 Starting Your ...... 45 FreewayDriving ...... 109

225 ... Front Headlight Highbow Beam ...... 58 Instrument Panel. Cleaning the Ashtray ...... 68 HeaterControls ...... 82 Topof ...... 178 Seat ...... 8 Heating ...... 82 InteriorLights ...... 58 Seatbacks.Reclining ...... 9 HeightAdjuster. Shoulder Belt .... 18 Towing Hook-ups ...... 126 HighwayHypnosis ...... 110 Jump Starting ...... 121 Fuel ...... 145 Hill and Mountain Roads ...... 111 FuelGage ...... 74 Hitches ...... 116 Keys ...... 40 Fuels in Foreign Countries ...... 145 Hood Release ...... 147 Fuse Block Hood. Checking Things under the . . 147 Label. Service Parts Driver Side Instrument Panel .... 184 Hook.Ups. Front Towing ...... 126 Identification ...... 182 EngineCompartment ...... 184 Hook.Ups. RearTowing ...... 127 Lane Change Indicator. Engine Compartment Relay Horn ...... 56 Turn Signaland ...... 57 Block ...... 185 How to Add Coolant to the LapBelt (Safety Belts) ...... 27 Passenger Side Kick Panel ...... 185 Coolant Recovery Tank ...... 130 Lap-ShoulderBelt (Safety Belts) ... 16 Fusesand Circuit Breakers ...... 183 How to Add Coolant to the LargerChildren (Safety Belts) ..... 35 Radiator ...... 132 Leaving YourVehicle ...... 42 Gages HydraulicClutch ...... 156 Leaving Your Vehicle with the EngineCoolant Temperature .... 77 Hydroplaning ...... 108 EngineRunning ...... 52 Fuel ...... 74 Hypnosis.Highway ...... 110 Lighter.Ashtrays and ...... 68 WarningLights and Indicators ... 74 Lighter.Cigarette ...... 69 Gasolines for Cleaner Air ...... 145 ldentification Number. Vehicle .... 182 Lights Glass (Cleaning) ...... 178 Identification.Engine ...... 182 AirBag Readiness ...... 21 GloveBox ...... 67 If a Tire Goes Flat ...... 134 Anti-Lock Brake System GM Participation in EBB Auto Line- If You’re Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice Active ...... 76 Alternative Dispute Resolution or Snow ...... 141 Anti-Lock Brake System Program ...... 215 IgnitionSwitch ...... 44 Warning ...... 76 Grips.Passenger Assist ...... 68 Inflation - Tire Pressure ...... 17 1 BrakeSystem Warning ...... 75 Inside Daymight Rearview BulbReplacement ...... 186 Halogen Bulbs ...... 163 Mirror ...... 63 ChargingSystem ...... 78 Hazard Warning Flashers ...... 120 InstrumentCluster ...... 72 CheckEngine ...... 78 HeadRestraints ...... 10 InstrumentPanel ...... 71 Dome ...... 58 ...226 Lights Manual Paint DoorWarning ...... 79 AdjustMirror ...... 64 ChemicalSpotting ...... 180 EngineOil Pressure ...... 77 Transaxle ...... 49 FinishCare ...... 179 Gagesand Indicators. Warning . . 74 Transaxle Fluid ...... 155 FinishDamage ...... 180 Interior ...... 58 Windows ...... 55 Foreign Material ...... 180 MalfunctionIndicator Lamp .... 78 MasterCylinder. Brake ...... 160 Parking Operation of ...... 57 Mirrors Brake ...... 51 Overdrive Off ...... 79 Control.Electric ...... 64 On Hills(Trailer Towing) ...... 118 Reading ...... 59 ConvexOutside ...... 64 OverThings That Bum ...... 53 RearWindow Defogger ...... 79 Inside Daymight Rearview ..... 63 YourVehicle ...... 53 SafetyBelt Reminder ...... 15 ManualAdjust ...... 64 Parts. Replacement ...... 187 Lights On Reminder ...... 58 VisorVanity ...... 67 PassengerAssist Grips ...... 68 Loading YourVehicle ...... 169 Mountain Roads. Hill and ...... 111 Passenger Positions (Safety Belts) . . 25 Lock.Rear Door Security ...... 42 Center ...... 27 Locks.Door ...... 41 NewVehicle “Break-In” ...... 44 RearSeat ...... 25 Locks.Power Door ...... 42 NightDriving ...... 106 RearSeat Outside ...... 25 Lossof Control ...... 105 NightVision ...... 106 Right Front ...... 25 Lubricants.Recommended ...... 205 Nuts.Wheel ...... 187 Passenger Side Kick Panel Fuse Block ...... 185 Maintenance Odometer. Speedometerand ..... 72 Passengers. Rear Seat Inspections.Periodic ...... 203 Odometer.Trip ...... 73 (Safety Belts) ...... 25 Record ...... 207 Off-RoadRecovery ...... 104 Passing ...... 104 Schedule ...... 189 Oil.Engine ...... 150 PedalTravel. Brake ...... 162 Services.Scheduled ...... 192 Operation of Lights ...... 57 Periodic Maintenance Inspections . . 203 Underbody ...... 180 Overdrive OffLight ...... 79 Power When Trailer Towing ...... 11 8 Overheating.Engine ...... 128 DoorLocks ...... 42 MalfunctionIndicator Lamp . . . 78 Owner Checks and Services ...... 198 Steering ...... 102 Steering Fluid ...... 158 P (Park). Shiftinginto ...... 52 Windows ...... 55 P (Park). Shifting out of ...... 52 Pregnancy. Safety Belt Use during ...... 24 227 . . Index Pressure Cap. Radiator ...... 158 Rear Restraints Problems on the Road ...... 119 TowingHook-Ups ...... 127 Checking Your System ...... 37 Publications. Service ...... 2 18 WindowDefogger ...... 84 Child ...... 29 WindowDefogger Light ...... 79 Head ...... 10 Questions Many People Ask about Rearview Mirror. Inside Where to Put the ...... 29 Safety Belts - and the Answers. Daymight ...... 63 Right Front Passenger Position Here are ...... 15 RecliningFront Seatbacks ...... 9 (SafetyBelts) ...... 25 Recommended Fluids Right Front Seat. Securing a Child Radiator Pressure Cap ...... 158 andLubricants ...... 205 Restraint in the ...... 33 Radiator. How to Add Coolant Recovery Hooks. Using the ...... 142 Road. Problems on the ...... 119 to the ...... 132 Recovery.Off-Road ...... 104 Road.Your Driving and the ...... 97 RadioReception. Understanding ... 95 Release Roads. Hill and Mountain ...... 111 Radio. To Play the Hood ...... 147 Roadside Assistance. Canadian .... 217 AM/FMStereo ...... 86 TrunkLock ...... 43 Roadside Assistance Program. AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and TrunkLock. Remote ...... 43 Chevrolet/Geo ...... 217 CompactDisc Player ...... 91 ReminderLight. Safety Belt ...... 15 Rocking Your Vehicle to Get AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Reminder.Lights On ...... 58 ItOut ...... 142 TapePlayer ...... 87 RemoteTrunk Lock Release ...... 43 Rotation.Tire ...... 172 Rain. Driving in the ...... 107 Replacement Running Your Engine while Rainy Weather Tips. Some Other ... 108 Air Filter ...... 154 You’reParked ...... 54 ReadingLight ...... 59 Bulbs (Part Numbers) ...... 186 Rear Bulbs (Service) ...... 163 Safety Belts Ashtray ...... 68 Parts ...... 187 Adults ...... 16 DoorSecurity Lock ...... 42 Wheel ...... 174 AirBag System ...... 20 FoldingSeatback ...... 10 Wheels.Used ...... 174 Care of ...... 178 Outside Position. Securing a Child Replacing Brake System Parts ..... 162 Children ...... 28 Restraint in the ...... 30 Replacing Safety Belts after Extender ...... 37 Seat Outside Passenger Positions a Crash ...... 37 How to Wear Properly ...... 16 (SafetyBelts) ...... 25 Reporting Safety Defects ...... 216 Lap ...... 27 SeatPassengers (Safety Belts) ... 25 Restraint System. Supplemental Lap-Shoulder ...... 16 (Air Bags) ...... 20 LargerChildren ...... 35 RestraintSystems. Seats and ...... 7 ...228 Safety Belts Service ...... 144 Steam Coming fromYour Engine. QuestionsPeople Ask ...... 15 and Appearance Care ...... 143 If There Is ...... 128 ReminderLight ...... 15 Parts Identification Label ...... 182 Steam. If There Is No ...... 129 Replacing after aCrash ...... 37 Publications ...... 21 8 Steering ...... 102 SmallerChildren and Babies .... 28 Publications Ordering Information. Fluid.Power ...... 158 They’refor Everyone ...... 11 Chevrolet/Geo ...... 220 In Emergencies ...... 103 Useduring Pregnancy ...... 24 Work. Doing Your Own ...... 144 Power ...... 102 WhyThey Work ...... 12 Servicing Your Geo with the Air Bag Tips ...... 102 Safety Defects System ...... 24 Storage Reporting to General Motors .... 2 16 Settingthe Clock ...... 86 Area.Console ...... 66 Reporting to the Canadian SheetMetal Damage ...... 180 Compartments ...... 66 Government ...... 2 16 ShiftSpeeds ...... 50 Compartments.Door ...... 66 Reporting to the United States Shiftinginto P (Park) ...... 52 Vehicle ...... 162 Government ...... 2 16 Shifting out of P (Park) ...... 52 Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow . . 141 SafetyWarnings and Symbols ..... 4 ShoulderBelt Height Adjuster ..... 18 SunVisors ...... 67 Schedule.Maintenance ...... 189 Skidding ...... 105 Sunroof ...... 64 Scheduled Maintenance Services ... 192 Smaller Children and Babies Supplemental Restraint System Scheduled Maintenance Services. (SafetyBelts) ...... 28 (AirBags) ...... 20 Explanation of ...... 196 Snow or Ice. Driving on ...... 1 12 Switch.Ignition ...... 44 SeatCushion. Tilting ...... 8 Spare Tire. Compact ...... 14 1 Symbols.Safety Warnings and .... 4 Seatback.Rear Folding ...... 10 Speakers. Adjusting the Symbols.Vehicle ...... 5 Seatback.Reclining Front ...... 9 AM/FM Stereo ...... 87 Seats AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and Tachometer ...... 73 And RestraintSystems ...... 7 CompactDisc Player ...... 92 Tank. Filling Your ...... 146 AndSeat Controls ...... 8 AMPM Stereo with Cassette TemperatureKnob ...... 82 Front ...... 8 TapePlayer ...... 88 Theft ...... 44 Securing a Child Restraint Specifications.Capacities and ..... 187 Theft Deterrent Feature CenterRearSeat ...... 32 Speedometerand Odometer ...... 72 AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and RearOutside Position ...... 30 Starting Your Engine ...... 45 CompactDisc Player ...... 93 RightFront Seat ...... 33 Starting.Jump ...... 121 AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape SecurityLock. Rear Door ...... 42 Player ...... 89 229 . . Thermostat ...... 158 Trailer.Towing a ...... 114 Vehicle TiltWheel ...... 56 Transaxle Rocking ...... 142 TiltingSeat Cushion ...... 8 Automatic ...... 47 Storage ...... 162 Tips.Steering ...... 102 Fluid.Automatic ...... 154 Symbols ...... 5 Tips.Ventilation ...... 85 Fluid.Manual ...... 155 Towing Your ...... 124 Tire Loading ...... 169 Manual ...... 49 WashingYour ...... 179 Tires ...... 170 Transportation. Courtesy ...... 2 17 Ventilation ...... 83 Balance. Wheel Alignment and . . 174 TripOdometer ...... 73 Ventilation System. BuyingNew ...... 173 Trip. Before Leaving on a Long .... 110 Flow-Through ...... 84 Chains ...... 174 TrunkLock Release ...... 43 VentilationTips ...... 85 Changing a Flat ...... 134 TrunkLock Release. Remote ...... 43 Vision,.Night ...... 106 Cleaning ...... 180 Turn Signal and Lane Change VisorVanity Mirrors ...... 67 Inflation Pressure ...... 17 1 Indicator ...... 57 Visors.Sun ...... 67 Inspection and Rotation ...... 172 Turn Signalbights Control/Headlight

TemperatureGrades ...... 173 BeamLever ...... 56 Warning. TractionGrades ...... 173 Devices.Other ...... 120 Treadwear ...... 173 Underbody Maintenance ...... 180 HazardFlashers ...... 120 Uniform Quality Grading ...... 173 UnderstandingRadio Reception ... 95 Lights.Gages and Indicators .... 74 When It’s Time for New ...... 172 Uniform Tire Quality Grading ..... 173 Safety ...... 4 Tone. Setting the Used Oil. What to Do With ...... 152 VehicleDamage ...... 5 AM/FMStereo ...... 87 Used Replacement Wheels ...... 174 WasherFluid. Windshield ...... 159 AM/” Stereo with Cassette Tape and Usingthe Recovery Hooks ...... 142 Washers.Windshield ...... 60 CompactDisc Player ...... 91 WashingYour Vehicle ...... 179 AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Vehicle Water. Driving Through Player ...... 88 Control of a ...... 100 DeepStanding ...... 46 Top Strap (Child Restraints) ...... 30 DamageWarnings ...... 5 Weatherstrips ...... 180 Towing Dimensions ...... 188 Weight of the Trailer ...... 115 A Trailer ...... 1 14 Environment and Your ...... 190 Wheel Nut Torque ...... 187 FrontHook-Ups ...... 126 Identification Number (VIN) .... 182 RearHook-Ups ...... 127 Leaving Your ...... 42 Your Vehicle ...... 124 Loading Your ...... 169 Trailer Brakes ...... 116 Parking Your ...... 53

0 0 m 230 Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance .... 174 Aluminum ...... 179 Replacement ...... 174 Tilt ...... 56 Used Replacement ...... 174 Where to Put the Restraint (Child Restraints) ...... 29 Why Safety Belts Work ...... 12 Windows ...... 55 Defogging and Defrosting ...... 83 Manual ...... 55 Power ...... 55 RearDefogger ...... 84 Windshield Cleaning ...... 79 WasherFluid ...... 59 Washers ...... 60 WipermasherLever ...... 59 Winter Driving ...... 112 Wipermasher Lever. Windshield . . 59 Your Driving and the Road ...... 97

231 ... Service Station Information Hood Release The Delco Freedoms battery needs no water. See Page 162 Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir

Coo ling System Reservoir Engine Oil Fill Cap Fill Oil EngineReservoir System Cooling Check and add coolant at the coolant recovery bottle. The fluid should be between thebetween be should fluid The Dipstick OilEngine “FULL” and “LOW” marks.

Capacity 13.2 U.S. Gal. (50 L). Use unleaded gas only, 87 octane or higher.

Cold Tire Pressure Spare Tire Pressure See Tire-Loading Informat:ion label Com pact Spare: Compact 60 glove on the box door.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION THROUGH National Institute for AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE