997 .. GefB The 1997 Geo Prizrn Owner’s Manual
1-1 Seats and Restraint Systems This section tells youhow to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the air bag system. 2-1 Features and Controls This section explains how to start and operate your Geo. 3-1 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system. 4- 1 Your Driving and the Road Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions. 5- 1 Problems on the Road This section tells what to doif you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc. 6-1 Service and Appearance Care Here the manual tellsyou how to keep your Geo running properly and looking good. 7-1 Maintenance Schedule This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricantsto use. 8-1 Customer Assistance Information This section tells you how to contact Chevrolet/Geo for assistance and howto get service and owner publications. It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects”on page 8-10. 9-1 Index Here’s an alphabetical listingof almost every subject in this manual.You can use it to quickly find something you want to read. i 1 We support voluntary I; technician certification. GENERAL MOTORS,GM, the GM Emblem, CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem, GEO, the WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN GEO Emblem and the name PRIZM are registered CERTIFICATION THROUGH
trademarks of General Motors Corporation. National Institute for AUTOMOTIVE This manual includes the latest information at the time it SERVICE was printed.We reserve the right to make changesin the EXCELLENCE product after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motorsof Canada Limited” for Chevrolet/Geo For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a whenever it appears in this manual. French Language Manual: Please keep this manual in your Geo,so it will be there Aux propribtaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous if you ever need it when you’re on the road.If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual it in so the new procurer un exemplaire dece guide en franCais chez owner can use it. votre concessionaireou au: DGN Marketing Services Ltd. 1500 Bonhill Rd. Mississauga, OntarioL5T IC7
Litho in U.S.A. @CopyrightGeneral Motors Corporation 1996 Part No. 10277560 B First Edition All Rights Reserved ii How to Use this Manual In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you whatto do to help avoidor reduce Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning the hazard. Please read these cautions.If you don’t, to end when they first receive their new vehicle.If you do you,or others could be hurt. this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle.In this manual, you’ll find that pictures You will also find a circle and words work together to explain things quickly. with a slash through it in Index this book. This safety symbol means “Don’t,” A good place to look for what you need is the Index in “Don’t do this,” or “Don’t the back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical listof all let this happen.” that’s in the manual, and the page number where you’ll find it. Safety Warnings and Symbols You will find a numberof safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning. I I A CAUTION: These mean there is something thatcould hurt you or other people.
iii Vehicle Damage Warnings In the notice area,we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would Also,in this book you willfind these notices: not be covered by yourwarranty, and it could be costly. h i But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid NOTICE: the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION These mean thereis something that could and NOTICE warnings in different colors orin different words. I damage-- your vehicle. I I I You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.
iv Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.
For example, These symbols These symbols These symbols These symbols Here are some these symbols are important have to do with are on some of are used on other symbols are used onan for you and your lamps: your controls: warning and you may see: original battery: your passengers indicator lights: whenever your vehicle is CAUTION driven: POSSIBLE A WIPER Q ENGINE k FUSE INJURY COOLANT n TEMP - TURN PROTECT UNLOCK SIGNALS @ EYES BY Ed BAllERY LIGHTER SHIELDING CHARGING I-1 SYSTEM CAUSTIC FASTEN HORN SEAT BRAKE BELTS (a) BURNS COOLANT a SPEAKER b ENGINE OIL w, PRESSURE FUEL SPARK OR ,\I/, B FLAME VENTILATING COULD 08 AIR BAG p\ FOG LAMPS FAN ANTI-LOCK (@) EXPLODE # 0 BRAKES BAlTERY
V b NOTES
vi Gem Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems
Here you’ll find information about the seats in yourGeo and how touse your safety belts properly.You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts.
1-2 Seats and Seat Controls 1-29 Center Passenger Position 1-6 Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone 1-30 Children 1-10 Here Are Questions Many People Ask About 1-32 Built-in Child Restraint (Option) Safety Belts -- and the Answers 1-46 Child Restraints 1-11 How to Wear Safety BeltsProperly 1-55 Larger Children 1-12 Driver Position 1-58 Safety BeltExtender 1-19 Safety Belt UseDuring Pregnancy 1-58 Checking Your Restraint Systems 1-20 Right Front Passenger Position 1-59 Replacing Restraint System Parts After 1-20 Air Bag System a Crash 1-26 Rear Seat Passengers Seats and Seat Controls This part tells you about the seats-- how to adjust them, and alsoabout reclining front seatbacks, head restraints and rear folding seatbacks.
-A CAUTION: You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement couldstartle and confuse you,or make you push a pedal when you Lift the lever under the front seatto unlock it. Slide the don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when seat to whereyou want it. Release the lever and tryto the vehicle is not moving. move the seat with your body,to make sure the seatis locked into place. Don’t put anything under the front seats. Items under the seats could keep the seats from locking into place properly.
1-2 To adjust the seatback, lift the lever on the outer sideof the seat. Release the lever tolock the seatback where you want it. Push on the seat to make sure it'slocked in position. Pull up on the lever, and the seat willgo to its original upright position. But don't have a seatback reclinedif your vehicle is moving.
CAUTION:
Sitting in areamed position when your vehicleis in motioncan be dangerous. Evenif you buckle CAUTION: (Continued)
1-3 Head Restraints Slide the head restraint upor down so that the top of the up, your safety belts can’tdo their jobwhen restraint is closest to the topof your ears.This position you’re reclined like this. reduces the chanceof a neck injury ina crash. The shoulder belt can’tdo its job because it Pull up to raise the restraint.To lower it, push the won’t be against yourbody. Instead, it will be in release button and push down. front of you. In a crash you could gointo it, Make sure the head restraintis locked in place afteryou receiving neck or otherinjuries. adjust it. The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the Rear Folding Seatback (Option) belt couldgo up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, notat your pelvic bones. You can fold either sideof the seatback downin your This could cause seriousinternal injuries. Geo for more cargo space. On vehicles with a built-in child restraint system, onlythe driver’s side For proper protectionwhen the vehicleis in rear passenger seatback can be folded down. Make sure the motion, have the seatback upright. Then wellsit front seat isn’t reclined.If it is, the rear seatback won’t back in the seatand wear your safety belt properly. fold down all the way.
1-4 To fold either seatback down: . .. 1. Push the button on the top of the seatback while you pull down on the seatback. (Repeat the procedure for-the other side if you do not have a built-in child restraint.)
2. Fold the seatback down. To raise the seatback: 1. Pull the seatback up and pushit back to lock itinto place. Make sure the safety beltsare not twisted or caught in the seatback. 2. Push and pull the topof the seatback to be sureit is locked into position.
1-5 Safety Belts: They’refor Everyone This part of the manual tellsyou how to use safety belts I A CAUTION: properly. It also tells you some things you should donot with safetybelts, It is extremely dangerousto ridein a cargo area, And it explains the air bag system. inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in theseareas aremore likelyto be I seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people A CAUTION: to ride in any area of your vehiclethat is not equipped with seatsand safety belts.Be sure Don’t let any01 ride where he or she can’t wear everyone in your vehicle is ain seat and using a a safety belt properly.If you are in a crash and safety belt properly. you’re not wearinga safety belt, yourinjuries can be much worse. Youcan hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt,and check that your passengers’ belts are fastened properlytoo.
1-6 Your vehicle hasa light that Why Safety BeltsWork comes on as a reminder to buckle up. (See “Safety When you ride in or on anytlung, you go as fast as it goes. Belt Reminder Light” in the Index.)
In most states andCanadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why:They work. You never know if you’ll be in crash.a If you do have a crash, you don’t know ifit will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, andsome crashes can beso serious thateven buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In manyof them, people who buckleup can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts theycould have been badly hurt or killed. Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s justa seat on wheels. After more than 25 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashesbuckling up does matter ... a lot!
1-7 I
.. .
Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle.The rider doesn’t stop.
1-8 The person keeps going until stoppedby something. or the instrument panel.. . In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield...
1-9 Here Are Questions Many PeopleAsk About Safety Belts-- and the Answers e.’ Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident ifI’m wearing a safety belt? A: You couZd be -- whether you’re wearing a safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you’re upside down. And your chanceof being conscious during and afteran accident, so you can unbuckle and get out,is much greater if you are belted. e.’ If my vehicle has air bags, why shouldI have to wear safety belts? A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will bein most of them in the future.But they are ~ or the safetybelts! supplemental systems only;so they work with ~ ~ With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. safety belts-- not insteadof them. Every air bag ~ You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, system ever offered for sale has required the useof ~ and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts. Evenif you’re in a vehicle that has air safety belts make such good sense. bags, youstill have to buckle up to getthe most I protection. That’s true not onlyin frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions. &: If I’m a good driver, andI never drive far from How to Wear Safety Belts Properly home, why shouldI wear safety belts? Adults A: You may be an excellent driver, butif you’re in an accident -- even one that isn’t your fault-- you and This part is onlyfor people of adult size. your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver Be aware that there are special things to know about doesn’t protect youfrom things beyond your safety belts and children.And there are different rules for control, such as bad drivers. smaller children and babies.If a child will be riding in your Geo, see the partof this manual called “Children.” Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. home. And the greatest numberof serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph First, you’ll want toknow which restraint systems your vehicle has. (65 km/h). We’ll start with the driver position. Safety belts arefor everyone.
1-11 Driver Position This part describes thedriver’s restraint system. Lap-Shoulder Belt The driv.er has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s howto wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat (to see how,see “Seats” in the Index) so you can sit up straight.
3. Pick up the latch plateand pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted.
1-12 4. Push the latch plateinto the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plateto make sure it issecure. If the belt isn’t longenough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at theend of this section. Make sure the release buttonon the buckle is positioned so you would be ableto unbuckle the safety belt quicklyif you ever had to.
The lap partof the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs.In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt.If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen.This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. 5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle The safety belt locksif there’s a sudden stop or crash,or end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt. if you pull the belt very quickly outof the retractor. 1-13 Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster Pull the releaseknob and movethe height adjusterto the Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt desired position. Afteryou move the adjuster to where adjuster to the height thatis right for you. you want it, try to move it without pulling the release knob to make sureit has locked into position. Adjust the heightso that the shoulder portionof the belt is centered on your shoulder.The belt should be away from your face and neck, but not fallingoff your shoulder.
1-14 @ What’s wrong with this?
You can be seriously hurt if your snoulder beltis too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.
A: The shoulder belt is too loose. Itwon’t give nearly as much protection this way.
1-15 &: What’s wrong with this? A CAUTION: You can be seriouslyinjured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this.In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen.The belt forceswould bethere, not at the pelvic bones. This could causeserious internal injuries. Always buckle your beltinto the buckle nearest you.
A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.
1-16 @ What’s wrong with this?
You can be seriously inJul-edif you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would movetoo far forward, which would increase the chanceof head and neck injury. Also, the belt would applytoo much forceto the ribs, which aren’t asstrong as shoulder bones. You could also severelyinjure internalorgans like your live- Jr spleen.
A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should be worn over the shoulder at all times.
1-17 What's wrong with this? b I I A CAUTION: You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn't have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straightso it can work properly, or ask your dealer tofix it.
A: The belt is twisted across the body.
1-18 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts workfor everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely beto seriously injuredif they don’t wear safety belts.
To unlatch the belt, just push thebutton on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. Before you close the door,be sure the belt is outof the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle. A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy.
1-19 The best way to protect thefetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’tbe hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, asfor anyone, the keyto making safety belts effectiveis wearing them properly. You can be severely injured or killed in a cra if you aren’t wearing your safety belt-- even if you Right Front Passenger Position have air bags. Wearing your safety beltduring a The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same crash helps reduceyour chance of hitting things way as the driver’s safety belt.See “Driver Position,” inside the vehicle or being ejectedfrom it. Air earlier in this section. bags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety When the shoulder beltis pulled out all theway, it will belts. All air bags are designed to work with lock. If it does, letit go back all theway and start again. safety belts,but don’t replace them.Air bags are designed to work only inmoderate to severe Air Bag System crashes where the front of your vehicle hits Thispart explains the air bag system. something. Theyaren’t designed to inflate at all in rollover, rear, sideor low-speed frontal Your Geo has two air bags-- one air bag for the driver crashes. Everyonein your vehicle should weara and another air bagfor the right front passenger. safety beltproperly -- whether or not there’s an Here are the most important things to know about the air bag for thatperson. air bag system:
1-20 There is an air bag readiness CAUTION: light on the instrument A panel, which shows AIR BAG. Air bags inflate wmn great force, faster thanthe AIR blink of an eye. If you’re too closeto aninflating air bag, it could seriouslyinjure you. Safety belts BAG help keepyou in position beforeand duringa crash. Always wear your safety belt, even withair bags. The driver should sit asfar back as possible while still maintaining controlof the vehicle. The system checks the air bag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if thereis an electrical problem. See “Air BagReadiness Light” inthe Index for more information.
An inflating air bag can seriously injure small children. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual called “Children”and the caution labelon the right frontpassenger’s safety belt.
1-21 How the Air Bag System Works
The right front passenger’sair bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. Where are theair bags? The driver’s air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel.
1-22 vehicle strikes something that willmove or deform, such as a parked car,the threshold level willbe higher. The air bagis not designedto inflate in rollovers, side impacts or rear impacts, because inflation would not If something is between an occupant and anair help the occupant. bag, the bagmay not inflate properly or mightit It is possible thatin a crash onlyone of the two air bags force the object into that person. The. path of an in your Prizm will deploy. This is rare, but can happen inflating air bag mustbe kept clear. Don’t put in a crashjust severe enough to makean air bag inflate. anything between an occupant and an air bag, and don’t attach or put anything on the steering wheel In any particular crash, noone can say whether an air hub or on or near any otherair bag covering. bag should have inflated simply becauseof the damage to a vehicle or becauseof what the repair costs were. Inflation is determined bythe angle of the impact and When should an air bag inflate? how quicklythe vehicle slows downin frontal or near-frontal impacts. An air bag is designed to inflate in a moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crash. The air bag will inflate What makes an air bag inflate? only ifthe impact speed is abovethe system’s designed In an impact of sufficient severity,the air bag sensing “threshold level.”If your vehiclegoes straight into a system detects thatthe vehicle is in a crash.The sensing wall that doesn’tmove or deform, the threshold levelis system triggers a releaseof gas from the inflator, which about 9 to 15 mph (14 to 24 km/h). The threshold level inflates the air bag.The inflator, air bagand related can vary, however, with specific vehicle design,so that hardware are all partof the air bag modules inside the it can be somewhat above or below this range. If your steering wheel andin the instrument panel in frontof the right front passenger.
1-23 How does an airbag restrain? into contact withyou may be warm, but not too hot to In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions, touch. There will be some smoke and dust corning from even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the vents in the deflated air bags.Air bag inflation doesn’t instrument panel. Air bags supplement the protection prevent the driver from seeingor from being ableto provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of steer the vehicle, nor doesit stop people from leaving the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, the vehicle. stopping the occupant more gradually. Butair bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts and side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward thoseair bags. Air bags should never be regarded as anyhng more than a When an airbag inflates,there is dust in the air. supplement to safety belts,and then only in moderate to This dust could cause breathing problems for severe fi-ontal or near-frontal collisions. people with a historyof asthma or other What will you see after an airbag inflates? breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone inthe After an air bag inflates,it quickly deflates,so quickly vehicle should get out as soon asit is safeto do so. that some people may not even realize the air bag If you havebreathing problems but can’t get out inflated. Some componentsof the air bag module in of the vehicle after anair bag inflates,then get the steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag,or the fresh air by opening a window or door. instrument panelfor the right front passenger’s bag, will be hot for a short time. The parts of the bag that come
1-24 In many crashes severeenough to inflate an air bag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. NOTICE: Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger air bag. If you damage the covering for the driver’sor the a Air bags aredesigned to inflate onlyonce. After they right front passenger’sair bag, the bag may not inflate, you’ll need some new partsfor your air bag work properly, You may have to replace theair system. If you don’t getthem, the air bag system bag module in the steering wheel or both the air won’t be there to help protect you in another crash. bag module and the instrument panel for the A new system will include air bag modules and right front passenger’s air bag.Do not open or possibly other parts.The service manual for your break the air bag coverings, vehicle covers the need to replace other parts. a Your vehicle is equipped with a diagnosticmodule, which records information about the air bag system. Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Geo The module records information about the readiness Air bags affect how yourGeo should be serviced.There of the system, when the sensors are activated and are parts of the air bagsystem in several places around driver’s safety belt usage atdeployment. your vehicle. You don’t want the system to inflate while a Let only qualified technicians work on yourair bag someone is working on your vehicle.Your Geo dealer system. Improper service can mean that yourair bag and the Prizm Service Manual have informationabout system won’t work properly.See your dealer for service. servicing your vehicle and the air bag system.To purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index.
1-25 Rear Seat Passengers A CAUTION: It’s very importantfor rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear For up to two minutes after the ignitionkey is seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are turned off and the battery disconnected, an air wearing safety belts. bag can still inflateduring improper service. You Rear passengerswho aren’t safety belted canbe thrown can be injured if you are close toan airbag when out of the vehicle in a crash.And they can strike others it inflates. Avoid wires wrapped with yellow tape in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts. or yellow connectors. Theyare probably part of the air bag system. Besure tofollow proper Rear Seat Outside PassengerPositions service procedures,and make sure the person performing workfor you is qualified todo so.
The air bag system shouldbe inspected by a qualified technician 10 years from the manufacture dateon the Certification label. After10 years from the manufacture date, have the system inspected every24 months. (The Certification label is located at the rearedge of the driver’s door.)
1-26 Lap-Shoulder Belt 2. Push the latch plate into the buckle untilit clicks.
1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted. The shoulder beltmay lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly.If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlockit. Then pullthe belt across you 3. To make the lap part tight, pull downon the buckle more slowly. end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part. 1-27 force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt.If you slid underit, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries.The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locksif there’s a sudden stopor a crash, or if you pull the belt very quicklyout of the retractor.
You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose.In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on shoulder belt shouldfit against your body. the hips,just touching the thighs.In a crash, this applies
1-28 Lap Belt
I
To unlawh the belt, just push the button onthe buckle. Center Passenger Position When you sit in the center seating position, you have a lap safety belt, which has no retractor.To make the belt longer, tilt the latch plateand pull it along the belt.
1-29 Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size.In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says childrenup to some age mustbe restrained while ina vehicle. Smaller Children.and Babies
CAUTION: A I Smaller children and babies should alwaysbe restrained in a child or infant restraint. The instructions for the restraint will say whether it is the right type and size for your child. A very To make the belt shorter, pullits free end as shown until young child’s hip bones are so small that a the belt is snug. regular belt might notstay low on the hips, as it Buckle, position and releaseit the sameway as the lap should. Instead, the belt will likely be overthe part of a lap-shoulder belt.If the belt isn’t longenough, child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply see “Safety Belt Extender” at the endof this section. force right on the child’s abdomen, which could Make sure the release button on the buckleis positioned cause serious or fatal injuries. So, be sure that so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly any child small enoughfor one is alwaysproperly if you ever had to. restrained in a child or infant restraint.
1-30 P- -I heavy you can't hold it. For example, ina crash at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lb. (110 kg)force on your arms. The babywould be almost impossible to hold. Secure the baby inan infant restraint. "IJ
I I ' A CAUTION: I 1 Never hold a baby inyour arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn't weigh much -- until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so CAUTION: (Continued)
1-31 Built-in Child Restraint (Option) restraint system conformsto all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. This child restraintis designed for use onlyby children who weigh between22 and 66 pounds (10 and 30 kg) and whose heightis between 33.5 and 50 inches (850 and 1270 mm) and who are capableof sitting upright alone. The child should also be at least one year old. It is important to usea rear-facing infant restraint until the child is about a year old. A rear-facing restraint gives the infant’s head, neck and body the support they would need in a crash. See “Child Restraints” later in this section for more information.
If your vehicle has this option, there’sa built-in child restraint in the right rear seat position.This child
1-32 @ Which slots should I use for my child? A: With the child seated on the child restraint cushion, use the pairof slots thatis at or just above the top of the child’s shoulders.
With this built-in child restraint, youcan adjust the height of the harness. Dependingon the seated heightof the child, youcan route it through the upper pairof slots (A) or the lower pair of slots (B).
For the child shown here, the harness should go through the lower pairof slots (B).
1-33 Q; What if the top ofmy child’s shoulders is above Adjusting the Harness Height the highest pairof slots? A: A child whose shoulders are above the highest slots shouldn’t use this child restraint. Instead, the child should siton the vehicle’s seat cushion and use the vehicle’s safety belts.
MAKE SURE THE TOPOF THE CHILD’S SHOULDERS IS BELOW THE SLOTS THAT THE HARNESS GOES THROUGH. A CHILD WHOSE SHOULDERS ARE ABOVE THOSE SLOTS COULD BEINJURED DURING A SUDDEN STOP OR CRASH. IF THE TOPOF THE CHILD’S SHOULDERS IS ABOVE THE SLOTS, DON’T USE THIS CHILD RESTRAINT. 1. Pull the flap away from the fastener strip behind the INSTEAD, THE CHILD SHOULD SIT ON THE top of the seatback. VEHICLE’S REGULAR SEAT AND USETHE REGULAR SAFETY BELTS.
1-34 2. Fold the top halfof the seatback down. 3. Lower the child restraint cushion. Make sure the top half of the seatbackis folded underneath the child restraint cushion.
1-35 4. Add slack to the harness. To do this, pull the harness 5. If the left and right halvesof the shoulder harness release strap (C)firmly. At the same time, pull both clip are fastened together, separate them. sides of the harness (D) through the slots in the seatback as shown. If the harness cannot be pulled through the slots, raise the child seat cushion anto almost closed position. Pull the harness release strapfirmly and at the sametime pull both sidesof the harness through the slots. Then lower the child seat cushion again. 6. Pull down the seatback partof the pad (E). 7. Select one side of the harness. Feed some harness slack back into the slot. When moving the harnessfrom the lower slot to the upper slot, you may need to feed as much 4as to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm) of slack into the slot to move the harness.
1-37 8. Move the harness outof the slot and all the wayup 9. Move the harness to the correct slot. The correct slot to the angled slot position. is the one that willbe at or just above the topof the You may have to squeeze and turn the harness child’s shoulder. slightly to moveit up.
1-38 11. Pull on the harness firmly. Make sureit is properly routed and isn’t twistedor flipped over. 12. Repeat Steps 7 through 11 for the other side of the harness. Be sure both sides are adjusted to the same height. 13. Move the pad back against the child restraint seatback. Make sure the harness goes throughthe slots in the pad that matchthe height adjustment slots being used. 14. Press the pad againstthe fastener strips.
10. Route the harness through the correct slot. You may have to squeeze and turnthe harness slightly to routeit through the slot.
1-39 Securing a Child in the Built-in Child Restraint
Using the vehicle’s regular safety belts on a child seated onthe child restraint cushion can cause serious injury to the child ina sudden stop or crash. If a childis the proper size for the built-in child restraint, secure the child usingthe child restraint’s harness. Butchildren who are too large for the built-in child restraint should sit on the vehicle’s regular seat and use the regular safety belts.
WARNING! FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS ON THE USE OF THIS CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM CAN RESULT IN YOUR CHILD STRIKING THE VEHICLE’S INTERIOR DURING A SUDDENSTOP Now that theharness is adjusted to the correct heightfor OR CRASH. your child, you’re ready to use the child restraint’s SNUGLY ADJUST THE BELTS PROVIDED WITH harness (D) to secure your child. THIS CHILD RESTRAINT AROUNDYOUR CHILD. Don’t use the vehicle’s safety belts.
1-40 1. Before placing the child onthe child restraint 2. If the left and right halvesof the shoulder harness cushion, add slack tothe harness. Pullthe harness clip are fastened together, separate them. Also, make release strap (C)firmly. At the same time, pull both sure the harness is not buckled. sides of the harness (D) through the slots inthe 3. Place the child onthe child restraint cushion. seatback as shown. 4. Place one side of the harness overeach of the child’s shoulders.
1-41 5. Push both latch plates (F) into the buckle until 6. Now fasten the left and right halvesof the shoulder it clicks. harness clip together.The purpose of this clip is Be sure the buckleis free of any foreign objects that to help keep the harness positionedon the may prevent youfrom securing the latch plates.If child’s shoulders. you can’t secure a latch plate,see your Geo dealer for service before using the child restraint. Pull on both latch plates to make sure they are secure.
1-42 dia CAUTION: An unfastened shoulderharness clip won’t help keep the harness in place onthe child’s shoulders. If the harness isn’t on the child’s shoulders,it won’t be able to restrain thechild’s upper body in a sudden stop or crash. The child could be seriously injured. Make sure theharness clip is properly fastened.
7. Pull the harness adjustment strap (G) fiily until the harness is snugly adjusted around the child.You should notbe able to put more than two fingers between the harness andthe child’s chest. Make sure the harness and buckle strap(H) are not twisted.
1-43 Removing the Child from the Built-in Child Restraint
8. Adjust the positionof the harness on the child’s shoulders by moving the clip up or down along the harness. On each side of the harness, the shoulder part should be centeredon the child’s shoulder.The 1. Unfasten the shoulder harness clip. harness should be awayfrom the child’s face and neck, but not fallingoff the child’s shoulders.
1-44 Storing the Built-in Child Restraint Always properly store the built-in child restraint before using the vehicle’s lap-shoulder belt in the right rear seat position. 1. Fasten the harness clip.
2. Unlatch the harness by pushing the buttonon the buckle. 3. Move both sides of the harness off the child’s shoulders. 4. Remove the child from the child restraint cushion.
2. Using the fastener strip, attach thebuckle strap to the child restraint cushion. Make sure the harnessis unlatched and the buckle strap flat is on the cushion. 1-45 Just like the other restraint systemsin your vehicle, your built-in child restraint needs to be periodically checked and may need to have parts replaced after a crash.See “Checking Your Restraint Systems” and “Replacing Seat and Restraint System Parts After a Crash”in the Index. Child Restraints Be sure the child restraint is designed to be in used a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying thatit meets Federal MotorVehicle Safety Standards. Then follow the instructionsfor the restraint.You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt systemin your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce chancethe of personal injury. The instructions that come withthe infant or child restraint will showyou how to do that. 3. Fold the child restraintcushion up into the seatback. Make sure the harness adjustment strap is foldedup in the seatback. 4. Attach theflap to the fastener strip behind the topof the seatback. 5. Press the child restraint cushionfdy into the seatback.
1-46 Where to Put the Restraint CAUTION: (Continued) Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained inthe rear rather than thefront seat. We at You may, however, secure a forward-facing child’ General Motors therefore recommend that you put your restraint in the right frontseat. Before you secure child restraint in the rear seat.Never put a rear-facing a forward-facing child restraint, always movethe child restraint in thefront passenger seat. Here’s why: front passenger seat as far back as itwill go. Or, secure the childrestraint in the rear seat. A CAUTION: Wherever you install it, be sure to securethe child A child in a rearfacing child : ;traint can be restraint properly. seriously injured if the right frontpassenger’s Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraintcan move air bag inflates. This is becausethe back of a around in a collisionor sudden stop and injure people in rearfacing child restraint would be very closeto the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child the inflating air bag. Always secure a rear-facing restraint in your vehicle-- even when no child is in it. child restraint in the rear seat. CAUTION: (Continued)
1-47 Top Strap Canadian law requires that child restraints havea top strap, and that the strap be anchored. If your child restraint hasa top strap, your dealercan obtain a kit with anchor hardware and installation instructions specifically designedfor this vehicle.The dealer can then install the anchorfor you. In Canada, this work will be donefor you free of charge. Or, you may install the anchor yourself using the instructions provided in thekit. Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position
If your child restraint hasa top strap, it should be anchored. If you need to have an anchor installed, you can ask yourGeo dealer toput it in for you. If you want to install an anchor yourself, your dealer can tellyou how to do it.
1-48 You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap ifthe child restrainthas one. 1. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions for the child restraint. 2. Secure the child inthe child restraint as the instructions say. 3. Pick up the latch plate, and runthe lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety beltthrough or
around the restraint. The child restraint instructions 3 will show you how. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, putit behind the child restraint.
4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release buttonis positioned so you wouldbe able to unbuckle the safety belt quicklyif you ever had to.
1-49 I
5. Pull the restof the shoulder belt all the way outof 6. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into the the retractor to set the lock. retractor while you push down on the child restraint. 7. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sureit is secure. To remove the child restraint,just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and letit go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again andbe ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.
1-50 Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position
You’ll be using thelap belt. See the earlier part about the top strapif the child restraint has one.
1. Make the belt as long as possible by tilting the latch plate and pullingit along the belt. 2. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions for the child restraint. 3. Secure the child in the child restraint as the instructions say. 4. Run the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. 1-51 7. Push and pull the child restraintin different directions to be sureit is secure. If it isn’t, secure the restraint in a different place in the vehicleand contact the child restraint makerfor their advice about how to attach the child restraint properly.
To 1remove the child restraint,just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt. It will be ready workto for an adult or larger child passenger. Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position
5. Buckle the belt. Makesure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quicklyif you ever had to. 6. To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push down on the child restraint.
1-52 Your vehicle has a rightfront passenger air bag.Never 4. Pick up the latch plate, and runthe lap and shoulder put a rear-facing child restraint in this seat. Here’s why: portions of the vehicle’s safety belt throughor around the restraint.The child restraint instructions will show you how.
~ A CAUTION: If the shoulder belt goes in frontof the child’sface or neck, put it behindthe child restraint. A child in arearfacing child restraint canbe seriously injured if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates. Thisis because the back of a rear-facing child restraint wouldbe very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat.
You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt.See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. 1. Because your vehicle has a rightfront passenger air bag, always movethe seat as far back asit will go before securing a forward-facing child restraint. (See “Seats” in the Index.) 2. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions for the child restraint. I 3. Secure the child in the child restraint as the 5. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is instructions say. positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quicklyif you ever had to. 1-53 6. Pull the restof the shoulder beltall the way out of 7. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into the the retractor to set the lock. retractor while you push down on the child restraint. 8. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sureit is secure. To remove the child restraint,just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and letit go back all the way.The safety belt will move freely again andbe ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.
1-54 Larger Children If you have the choice, a childshould sit next to a window so the child can wear a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint shouldera belt can provide.
1 ’- Accident statistics show that children are safkrif they are restrained inthe rear seat. But they need touse the safety belts properly.
0 Children who aren’t buckled upcan be thrown out in a crash.
0 Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other people who are.
Children whohave outgrown child restraints should wear the vehicle’s safety belts.
1-55 A CAUTION:
Never do this. Here two children are wearing the same belt. The belt can’t properlyspread the impact forces.In a crash, thetwo children canbe crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by only one person at a time.
@ What if a child is wearinga lap-shoulder belt, but the child isso small that the shoulder belt is very close to the child’s faceor neck? A: Move the child toward the centerof the vehicle, but be sure that the shoulder beltstill is on the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide.If the child is so small that the shoulder belt is still very close to the child’sface or neck, you might want to place the childin the center seat position, the one that has onlya lap belt.
1-56 A CAUTION: ,. . Never do this.‘ Here a child issitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt,but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child wearsthe belt inthis way, in a crash the child might slideunder the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen.That could cause seriousor fatal injuries.
Wherever the child sits, the lap portionof the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips,just touching the child’s thighs.This applies beltforce to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash.
1-57 Safety Belt Extender Checking Your Restraint Systems If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light should useit. and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and But if a safety belt isn’tlong enough to fasten, your anchorages are working properly.If your vehicle has a built-in child restraint, also periodically make sure the dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. Whenyou go harness straps, latch plates, buckle, clip and anchorages in to order it, take the heaviest coatyou will wear, so the extender willbe long enoughfor you. The extender will are working properly.Look for any other loose or be just for you, andjust for the seat in your vehicle that damaged safety belt and built-in child restraint system you choose. Don’t letsomeone else use it, and use it parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt only for the seatit is made tofit. To wear it, just attach it or built-in child restraint system from doingjob, its have it repaired. to the regular safety belt. Torn or frayed safety belts may not protectyou in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces.If a belt is tom or frayed, get a newone right away. If your vehicle has the built-in child restraint, torn or frayed harness straps can rip apart under impact forces just like torn or frayed safety belts can. They may not protect a child in a crash.If a harness strap is torn or frayed, get anew hamess right away. Also lookfor any opened or broken air bag covers, and have them repaired or replaced. (See the part on the air bag system earlier in this sectionfor air bag system maintenance information.)
1-58 Replacing Restraint System Parts If you ever see alabel on the driver’s orthe right front passenger’s safety belt that says to replace the belt,be After a Crash sure todo so. Then the new belt willbe there to help If you’ve had a crash,do you need new safety beltsor protect you in a collision. You would see this label on built-in child restraint parts? the belt near thedoor opening. After a veryminor collision, nothing maybe necessary. If safety belts or built-in child restraint harness straps But if the safety belts or built-in child restraint harness are cut ordamaged, replace them.Collision damage also straps were stretched, as they wouldbe if worn during a may mean you will need to have safety belt, built-in more severe crash,then you need new safety belts or child restraint or seat parts repaired or replaced.New harness straps. parts and repairsmay be necessary evenif the safety belt or built-in child restraint wasn’tbeing used at thetime of the collision. If an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bag system parts. See the part onthe air bag system earlierin this section. & NOTES
1-60 Gem Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your Geo, and informationon starting, shifting and braking. Also explainedare the instrument panel andthe warning systems that tell you if everythingis working properly -- and whatto do if you have a problem.
2-2 Keys 2-24 Windows 2-4 Door Locks 2-24 Horn 2-7 Trunk 2-25 Tilt Wheel 2-8 Theft 2-25 Turn SignaVMultifunction Lever 2-9 New Vehicle “Break-In’‘ 2-32 Exterior Lamps 2-9 Ignition Switch 2- 34 Interior Lamps 2-11 Starting Your Engine 2-35 Mirrors 2-13 Automatic Transaxle Operation 2-37 Storage Compartments 2-16 Manual Transaxle Operation 2-3 8 Ashtrays and Lighter 2-18 Parking Brake 2-39 Sun Visors 2-20 Shifting Into PARK(P) 2-40 Sunroof (Automatic Transaxle Models Only) 2-42 Instrument Panel 2-22 Parking OverThings That Burn 2-46 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators 2-22 Engine Exhaust 2-23 Running Your Engine While You’re Parked (Automatic Transaxle)
2-1 Keys A CAUTION: Leaving young children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle with young children.
2-2 One keyis used for the 1ignition, the doors and all NOTICE: Your Geo has a number of features that can help prevent theft. However, 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 get in.So be sure you have an extra key.
When a new Prizmis delivered, the dealer removes the metal plate from the key ring and givesit to the first owner. The metal plate has a code onit that tells your dealeror a qualified locksmith how to make extra keys. Keep the code in a safe place. If youlose your keys, you’ll beable to have new ones made easily usingthis code.
2-3 Door Locks Insert the keyin either front door andturn the top of the key toward the rear of the carto unlock the door. r If your vehicle has power door locks, turn theonce key to unlock the driver’sdoor only. Turn the key back toward the center,then toward the rear again to unlock Unlocked doors can be dangerous. all the doors. Using the key in the passenger’s door will unlock all the doors. Passengers -- especially children -- can easily open the doors and fall out. When a door is locked, the inside handle won’t open it. Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked 7 door when you slow downor stop your vehicle. This may not be so obvious: You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors aren’t locked. Wear safety belts properly, lock your doors, and you will befar better off whenever youdrive your vehicle.
L To unlock the door, pullup on the button. There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. From the outside, use your key.To lock the door, turn the top of the key toward thefront of the car. If you have power door locks, all thedoors will lock.
2-4 Power Door Locks (Option) Rear Door Security Locks
Push the powerdoor lock switch on the driver’s door to Your Geo is equipped with reardoor security locks that lock or unlock all the doors at once. help prevent passengers from opening the reardoors of your car from the inside.
2-5 To use one of these locks: 1. Turn the knob so the bar pointsup and down. 2. Close the door. 3. Do the same thing to the other reardoor lock. The rear doorsof your vehiclecannot be opened from the inside when this feature isin use. If you want to opena rear door when the securitv lock is on: 1. Unlock the door from the inside. 2. Then open the door from the outside. If you don’t cancel the securitylock feature, adults and older childrenwho ride in the rear won’tbe able to open To cancel oneof these locks: the rear door from the inside.You should let adults and 1. Unlock the door from the inside and open the door older children knowhow these security locks work, and from the outside. how to cancel the locks. 2. Turn the knob so the bar points toward the sides. 3. Do the same for the other rear door. The rear door locks will now work normally. Leaving Your Vehicle If you are leaving the vehicle, take your key, open your door and set the locks from inside. Then get out and close the door. 2-6 Trunk Trunk Lock Release To open the trunk lid, use your key and turn I A CAUTION: it clockwise. It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can comeinto your vehicle. You can’t seeor smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If you must drive with the trunk open or if’ electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the bodyand the trunk: 0 Make sure all windows are shut. 0 Wrn the fan on your heating or cooling To close the lid, lower and press downon it. After system to its highest speed with the setting on closing the lid, try pullingit up to make sureit is closed. VENT. That will force outsideair into your vehicle. See “Comfort Controls” in the Index. If you have air outlets on or under the instrument panel, open them all the way. See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.
2-7 Remote Trunk Lock Release Key in the Ignition Pull the lever on the floor If you leave your vehicle with thekeys inside, it’s an near the driver’s door to easy targetfor joy riders or professional thieves-- so open the trunk lidfrom don’t do it. inside your vehicle. When you park your Geo and openthe driver’s door, you’ll heara tone reminding you to remove your key from the ignition and takeit with you. Alwaysdo this. Your steering wheel will be locked, andso will your ignition. If you have anautomatic transaxle, taking your key out also locks your transaxle. And remember lock to the doors. Parking at Night Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your Theft vehicle. Remember tokeep your valuables outof sight. Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities. Put them in a storage area, or take them with you. Although your Geo hasa number of theft-deterrent features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it impossible to steal. However, there are ways you can help.
2-8 1Yew Vehicle L6Break-In” Ignition Switch .. With the key in the ignition switch, you can turnthe NOTICE: switch to four positions.
Your modern Geo doesn’t needan elaborate “break-in.” But it will perform better in the long B run if you follow these guidelines: Don’t drive at any one speed-- fast or slow -- for the first 500 miles (805 km). Don’t make full-throttle starts. 0 Avoid making hard stops for the first 200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time your new brake linings aren’t yet broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlierreplacement. W Follow this breaking-in guideline every ’ timeyou get new brake linings. Don’t tow a trailer during break-in. LOCK (A): This is the only positionfrom which you See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index for can remove the key. This locks your steering wheel, more information. ignition and automatic transaxle. Pushin the ignition switch as you turnthe top of it toward you.
2-9 If you have an automatic transaxle, the ignition switch can’t be turned toLOCK unless the shift lever is in the CAUTION: PARK (P) position. I A ACC (B): In this position, you can operate some of your On manual transaxle vehicles, turning the key to electrical power accessories (such as the radio, but not LOCK will lock the steering column and result in the ventilation fan). It unlocks the steering wheel and ignition. a loss of abjlity tosteer the vehicle. This could cause a collision.If you need to turn the engine ON (C): The switch returns to this position afteryou off while the vehicle is moving,turn the key only start your.engine and release the switch.The switch to ACC. Don’t push the key in while the vehicle stays in theON position when the engineis running. But is moving. even when the ignition is not running, you can ONuse to operate your electrical power accessories (including the ventilation fan) and to display some warning and indicator lights. START (D): This position starts the engine. When the NOTICE: engine starts, release the key.The ignition switch will return to ON for normal driving. If your key seems stuckin LOCK and you can’t turn it, besure you are using the correct key; When the engine is not running, ACC andON allow you to operate someof your electrical accessories. if so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the steering wheel left and right while you turn the A warning tone will soundif you open the driver’s door key hard. But turn the key only withyour hand. when the ignition is in ACC orLOCK and the key is in Using a tool to force it could break the key or the the ignition. ignition switch.If none of this works, then your vehicle needs service.
2-10 Starting Your Engine Manual Transaxle The gear selector shouldbe in NEUTRAL (N). Hold the Automatic Transaxle clutch pedalto the floor and start the engine. Your Move your shift lever toPARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). vehicle won’t startif the clutch pedal is not all the way Your engine won’t start in any other position-- that’s a down -- that’s a safety feature. safety feature.To restart whenyou’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Starting Your L4 Engine 1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your ignition key toSTmT. When the engine starts, let NOTICE: go of the key. The idle speed willgo down as your engine gets warm. Don’t try to shift toPARK (P)if your Geo is moving. If you do, you coulddamage the transaxle. Shiftto PARK (P) only when your I NOTICE: vehicle is stopped. Holding your keyin START for longer than 15 seconds at a timewill cause yourbattery to be drained much sooner. Andthe excessive heat can damage your starter motor.
2-11 2. If it doesn’t start inthree seconds, wait about 15 seconds and try again to start the engineby NOTICE: turning the ignition keyto START. Wait about 15 seconds between each tryto help avoid draining Your engine is designedto work with the your battery. electronics inyour vehicle. If you add electrical When your engine has run about10 seconds towarm parts oraccessories, you could changethe way up, your vehicleis ready to be driven. Don’t “race” the engine operates. Beforeadding electrical your engine when it’s cold. equipment, check with your dealer. If you don’t, If the weatheris below freezing (32°F or OOC), let your engine might notperform properly. the engine runfor a few minutesto warm up. If you ever haveto have your vehicle towed, see 3. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then the part of this manual that tells how to do it stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline. without damagingyour vehicle. See “Towing Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the wayto the Your Vehicle” in the Index. 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 same thing, but this time keep the pedal downfor five or six seconds. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine. 4. If your engine stalls, restartit as explained earlier.If it stalls often, havethe engine checkedby your dealer as soon as possible.
2-12 Automatic Transaxle Operation I CAUTION: There are several different A positions for your shift lever. It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehiclecan roll. Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you haveto. If you have leftthe engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even when you’re fairlyon level ground, always set your parking brake and PARK (P): This locks your front wheels. It’s the best move the shift lever to PARK (P). position to use when youstart your engine because your vehicle can’t moveeasilv. See “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index. If you’re pulling atrailer, see “Towing aTrailer” in the Index.
2-13 Ensure the shift leveris fully in PARK (P) range before NEUTRAL (N): In this position, yourengine starting the engine.Your Geo has a brake-transaxle shiflt doesn’t connect with the wheels.To restart when you’re interlock. You have to fully apply your regular brakes already moving, use NEUTRAL(N) only. Also, use before you can shiftfrom PARK (P)when the ignition NEUTRAL (N) when yo1 vehicle is being towed. key isin the ON position. If you cannot shift outof PARK (P), ease pressure onthe shift lever-- push the shift leverall the way into PARK (P) and release the shift lever button as youmaintain brake application. Then press the shift lever button and move the shift lever into the gear you wish.See “Shifting Outof Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while PARK (P)” in the index. your engine is “racing”(running at high speed)is dangerous. Unless your foot isfirmly on the REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up. brake pedal, your vehicle could move very rapidly. You could losecontrol and hit people or NOTICE: objects. Don’t shift out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing. Shifting to REVERSE (R)while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transaxle. Shift to REVERSE (R) onlyafter your vehicle is stopped. NOTICE:
To rock your vehicle back andforth to get outof snow, Damage to your transaxle caused by shifting out ice or sand without damaging your transaxle,see of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine “Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow” in the Index. racing isn’t coveredby your warranty.
2-14 DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. If you LOW (L): This position gives you even more power need more powerfor passing, and you’re: (but lower fuel economy) than SECOND (2). You can use it on very steep hills,or in deep snow or mud.If the Going less than about 27 mph (43 km/h), push your accelerator pedal about halfway down. shift lever is put inLOW (L), the transaxle won’t shift into low gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough. Going about 29 mph (47 km/h) or more, push your accelerator pedal all the way down. You’ll shift down to the next gear and have more power. FOGCE: SECOND (2): This position gives you more powerbut If your front wheels can’t rotate, don’t try to lower fuel economy. You can use SECOND (2) on hills. drive. This mighthappen if you were stuck in It can help control your speed as you go down steep very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid mountain roads,but then you would also wantto use your brakes off and on. object. You could damage your transaxle. Also, if you stop when going uphill, don’t hold I 1 your vehiclethere with only the accelerator NOTICE: pedal. This could overheatand damage the transaxle. Use your brakes to hold your vehicle in Don’t drive in SECOND (2) for more than 25 miles position on a hill. (41 km), or at speeds over55 mph (88 km/h), or you can damage your transaxle.Use DRIVE (D) as much as possible. Don’t shift into SECOND (2) unless you are going slower than 65 mph (105 km/h), or you can damage your engine.
2-15 Overdrive (Option) Manual Transaxle Operation 5-Speed
If your automatic transaxlehas OVERDRIVE, you can L use it for better fuel economy. After starting your engine, always pushin the OVERDRIVE switch. Then This is your shift pattern. Here’s how to operate select the gear you want and press the accelerator pedal.your transaxle: Gradual startsgive you the bestfuel economy. Fast FIRST (1): Press the clutch pedal and shift into starts usethe most fuel, FIRST (1). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedalas you press the accelerator pedal. A light on the instrument panel willcome on whenever you turn off OVERDRIVE. See “Overdrive Off Light” in the Index.
2-16 Keep yourfeet off the clutch pedal unless operating the clutch. Avoid excessiveuse of the clutch in a NOTICE: half-engaged condition, otherwise the clutch could slip I or could cause problems by overheating. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is You can shift into FIRST (1) when you’re going less stopped, Shiftingto REVERSE (R)while your than 20 mph (32 km/h). If you’ve come to a complete vehicle is moving could damage your transaxle, stop and it’s hardto shift into FIRST (I), put the shift lever in NEUTRAL (N) and let up on the clutch. Press 1 the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into FIRST(1). Also, use REVERSE (R) along with the parking brake for parking your vehicle. SECOND (2):Press the clutch pedal asyou let up on the accelerator pedal and shift into SECOND (2).Then, Shift Speeds slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. THIRD (3), FOURTH (4)’ FIFTH (5): Shift into ’ A CAUTION: THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5) the same way I you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the clutch If you skip mor, ihan one gear when you pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. downshift, you could lose control of your vehicle. To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the brake And you could injure yourselfor others. Don’t pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press the clutch pedal shift from FIFTH(5) to FIRST (1). and the brake pedal, and shift to NEUTRAL (N). NEUTRAL (N): Use this position when you startor This chart shows when to shift to the nextgear for the idle your engine. best fuel economy. REVERSE (R):To back up, pressdown the clutch pedal and shift into REVERSE(R). Let up on the clutch pedal slowlywhile pressing the accelerator pedal. Manual Transaxle Recommended Shift Speeds Parking Brake
lt02 2to3 3to4 4to5 ENGINE or2to1 or3to2 Or4tO3 or5to4 15 25 40 45 1.6L (CODE 6) (24) (40) (64) (72) 15 23 40 45 1.8L (CODE 8) (37)(24) (64) (72)
If your speed drops below20 mph (32 km/h), or if the engine is not running smoothly, you should downshiftto the next lower gear.You may haveto downshift twoor more gearsto keep the engine running smoothlyor for To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down and good performance. pull up on the parking brake lever.If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on.
2-1s NOTICE:
Driving with the parking brake on can cause your rear brakes to overheat.You may haveto replace them, and you could also damageother parts of your vehicle.
If you are towing a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.
To release the parking brake, hold thebrake pedal down. Pull the parking brake lever up untilyou can press the release button. Hold the release button in you as move the lever allthe way down.
2-19 Shifting Into PARK (P) 2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding in (AutAwPic Tr-caxle PnWs Only) the button on the lever and pushing the lever all the way toward the front A CAUTION: of your vehicle. 1 It can be da~- us to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fullyin PARK (P)with the parking brake firmly set.Your vehicle can roll. If you have leftthe engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. Youor others could be 3. Move the key to LOCK. injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even 4. Remove the key and takeit with you. If you can when you’re onfairly level ground, use the steps leave your vehicle with the key in your hand, your that follow. If you’repulling a trailer, see vehicle is in PARK (P). “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and set the parking brake.
2-20 Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on Running (Automatic Transaxle the shift lever-- push the shift lever all the wayinto PARK (P) and release the shift lever buttonas you Mod 91s Only) maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever button and move the shift leverinto the gear you wish. If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can’t shift out of PARK (P), try this:
It ca )e dangerous to ,,ave your VLJU~ w 1 1. Carefully pry the shiftlock override cover from the the engine running. Your vehicle could move floor shift console using a flat-bladed tool. suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK(P) 2. Insert the endof the flat-bladed tool into the with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you rectangular slot and press down firmly. leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could 3. While maintaining brake application, move the shift overheat and even catch fire.You or others could lever into the drive gear you want. be injured. Don’t leave your vehicle with the engine running unless you have to. 4. Have the vehicle fixed as soonas possible. L Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transaxle) Shifting Out of PARK (P) Before you get out of your vehicle, put your manual (Automatic Transaxle) transaxle in REVERSE (R) (if yourGeo is parked on a level surface or facing downhill), or put your manual Your Geo has a brake-transaxle shift interlock.You have transaxle in FIRST(1) (if your Geo is parked facing to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift uphill) and firmly apply the parking brake. from PARK (P) when the ignition is in the ON position. See “Automatic Transaxle Operation” in the Index. If you are towing a trailer,see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.
2-21 Parking Over Things That Burn Engine Exhaust
I Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas carbon monoxide (CO), which youcan't see or smell. It can cause unconsciousnessand death. You might haveexhaust coming inif: Your exhaust system sounds strange or different. 0 Your vehicle gets rusty underneath. 0 Your vehicle was damaged in a collision. Your vehicle was damaged when driving over high points on the roador over road debris. 0 Repairs weren't done correctly. a Your vehicle or exhaust system had been modified improperly. If you ever suspectexhaust is cominginto your vehicle: Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust parts under your vehicleand ignite. Don't park 0 Drive it only with all the windows down to over papers, leaves, dry grass or other things that blow out any CO; and can burn. Have your vehicle fixed immediately.
t -22 Running Your Engine While You’re Parked (Automatic Transaxle) It’s better notto park with theengine running. But ifyou ever have to, here are some things to know. It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicleif the shift lever is not fullyPARK in (P) with the parking brakefirmly set.Your vehicle can roll. Don’t leave your vehicle whenthe engine is running unless you have to.If you’ve left the Idling the engine withthe climate control system engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. off could allow dangerous exhaustinto You or otherscould beinjured. To be sure your your vehicle (seethe earlier Caution under vehicle won’t move, even when you’re fairlyon “Engine Exhaust”). level ground, always setyour parking brake and move the shift leverto PARK (P). Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly carbon monoxide (CO)into your vehicle even if the fanswitch isat the highest setting. One place Follow the proper steps tobe sure your vehicle won’t this can happen is a garage. Exhaust -- with move. See “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index. CO -- can come in easily. NEVER park in a If you are parking on ahill and if you’re pulling a garage with the engine running. trailer, also see “Towing a Trailer”in the Index. Another closed-in place can be a blizzard. (See “Blizzard” inthe Index.)
2-23 . Vindows The AUTO switch for the driver’s window hasan express-down feature.To use express-down, push the Manual Windows switch down all theway. Release the switch and the window will lower completely. Pull upon the switch Use the window crankto open and close each window. lightly and releaseit to stop the window partway. Power Windows (Option) You can also open this window any amount by pushing the switch halfway down and releasingit when you want the windowto stop. Do not push the switch when the windowis in the express-down mode. There are individual controls near each window. Push the bottomof the switchto open a window and pull up on the switch to raiseit.
Press the windowlock switch to keep passengersfrom using their individual window switches. Press the switch again to unlock the windows. Horn With power windows, switches onthe driver’s door To sound the horn, press anywhereon the horn padon control each window whenthe ignition is on. Push down your steering wheel. the frontof the switch to lower a window and lift the front of the switchto raise a window.
2-24 Tilt Wheel (Option) 'hrn SignaYMultifunction Lever The lever on theleft side of the steering column includes your:
Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer and Passing Signal A tilt steering wheel allowsyou to adjust the steering Lighting Operation wheel before you drive. You can also raise it tothe highest level to give your legs more room when you exitand enter the vehicle. To tilt the wheel, hold the steering wheel and lift the lever. Move the steering wheel toa comfortable level, then release thelever to lockthe wheel in place.
2-25 ’krn Signal and Lane Change Indicator If a bulb is burned out, haveit replaced to help avoid an accident.If the arrows don’t go on at all when you The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two signal aturn, check for burned-out bulbs and then check downward (for left) positions. These positions allow you the fuse (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index). to signal a turnor a lane change. To signal aturn, move the lever all the way upor down. Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer When the turnis finished, the lever will return automatically. First, you must have the An arrowon the instrument headlamps on. For high panel will flash in the beams, push the turn signal direction of the turn or lever away from you. When lane change. the high beams are on, this light on the instrument panel also will be on.
It will go off when you switch to low beams. To switch To signal a lane change,just raise or lower the lever back to low beams, pull the lever toward you. until the arrow starts to flash. Hold it there untilyou complete your lane change.The lever will returnby Flash-to-Pass itself when you release it. With the lever in the low beam position, pull the lever If you signal a turnor a lane change, and notice the toward you to momentarily switchto high beams(to arrow flashing rapidly, a signal bulb may be burned out signal thatyou are going to pass).If you have the and other drivers won’t see your turn signal. headlamps on when you release the lever, they will return to low beams. 2-26 Windshield Wipermasher Lever LO: The wipers will run continuously at low speed. HI: The wipers will runcontinuously at high speed. The lever on the right side of the steering column MIST (If you have mist-type wipers, the lever doesn’t controls the windshield have an INT position.) For a single wiping cycle, push wipers and washer. the lever to MIST. Hold it therefor a second, then letgo. The wipers will stop after one cycle. If you want more cycles, hold the leverat MIST longer. Be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper blades before using them. If they’re frozen to the windshield, carefully loosenor thaw them.If your blades do become damaged, get new blades or blade inserts. Move the lever to the position you want: Heavy snow orice can overload your wipers. A circuit breaker will stop them until the motor cools.Clear away OFF: The wipers are off. snow or ice to prevent an overload. INT Intermittent wiper operation (if your Prizm has this). In light rain or snow, you might want to use this position rather thancontinuous wiping. You can change the time between wipes by turning the INT TIME band. Turn the band toward S for a longer delay or towardF for a shorter delay.
2-27 Windshield Washer Cruise Control Press the buttonon the endof the lever to spray washer With cruise control, you can fluid on the windshield.The spray will continue until maintain a speed of about you release the button.The wipers willrun a few times 25 mph (40 km/h) or more if you havethe intermittent wiper feature.If you have without keeping your foot the MIST feature, when you press the washer button, on the accelerator.This can washer fluid will spray your windshield andyou will really help on long trips. need to manually turnon your wipers to clear the Cruise control does not windshield. See “Windshield Washer Fluid”in work at speeds below about the Index. 25 mph (40 ktnh).
1 6& CAUTION: When you apply your brakes, or push the clutch pedal, if you have a manual transaxle, the cruise control In freezing weather, don’t use your washer until shuts off. the windshieldis warmed. Otherwise the washer fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking your vision.
2-28 I Setting Cruise Control IA CAUTION: I A CAUTION: can’t drive safely at a steady speed. So, F- don’t use your cruise control on winding If you leaveyour cruise control switch on when roads or in heavytraff‘ic. you’re not using cruise, you mighthit a button Cruise control can be dangerous on and go into cruise when you don’t wantto. You slippery roads. On such roads, fast changes could be startled and even lose control. Keepthe in tire traction can cause needless wheel cruise control switch off until you want to use it. spinning, and you could lose control. Don’t use cruise control on slippery roads. 1. Push the end of the cruise control lever.The CRUISE light on the instrument panel will come on.
2. Get up to the speed you want.
2-29 3. Push the lever down to Resuming a Set Speed SETlCOAST and Suppose you set your cruise control at a desired speed release it. and then you apply the brake.This, of course, shuts off the cruise control. Butyou don’t need to resetit. Unless you’re going about 25 mph (40 km/h)or less or you slowed down to10 mph (16 kmk)less than your preset speed,you can press the lever up to RES/ACC 4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal. (Resume/Accelerate)for
You’ll go right backup to your chosen 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.
2-30 Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control There are two ways to go toa higher speed: There are two ways to reduce your speed while using cruise control: 0 Use the accelerator pedal to get to the higher speed. Push the lever to SET/COAST and holdit for Push the lever to SET/COAST untilyou reach the less than a second. Release thelever and the lower speedyou want, then release it. accelerator pedal. To slow down in very small amounts, push the lever You’ll now cruise at the higher speed. for less than halfa second. Each timeyou do this, you’ll go 1 mph (1.6 slower. 0 Move the cruise lever from ON to RES/ACC. Hold it km/h) there until you get upto the speed you want, and Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control then release the lever.(To increase your speed in very small amounts, move the lever RES/ACC to Use the accelerator pedal to increase your speed. When for less than half a second and then releaseit. Each you take yourfoot off the pedal, your vehicle will slow time you do this, your vehicle will go about1 mph down to the cruise control speed you set earlier. (1.6 km/h) faster.)
2-31 Using Cruise Controlon Hills Exterior Lamps How well your cruise controlwill work on hills depends upon your speed, load and the steepnessof the hills. Headlamps When going up steep hills, you may have tostep on the Turn the outside partof the accelerator pedal to maintain your speed. When going lever to control the lamps. downhill, you may have to brake or shift toa lower gear to There are three positionsfor keep your speed down. Of course, applying the brake takes the lamp switch. you out of cruise control. Many drivers find this tobe too much trouble and don’t use cruise controlon steep hills. OFF: All lamps, except your Daytime Running Ending Out of Cruise Control There are several ways toturn off the cruise control: Step lightly on the brake pedal or push the clutch pedal, if you have a manual transaxle. Press the cruise ON-OFF button again or pull the CENTER: At the middle position, the parking lamps, lever towardyou to cancel. taillamps, license plate lamp and the instrument panel lights come on.The headlamps are off andDRL is on. Erasing Speed Memory Eo:The headlamps and all other operating lamps come When you turn off the cruise controlor the ignition, on. DIU is off. your cruise control set speed memory is erased.
2-32 Lamps on Reminder When you turn on the headlamp switch, your DRL will go out and your headlamps will come on. The other lamps If you turn the ignition toLOCK or ACC and leave that come onwith your headlamps willalso come on. the lamps on, you’ll hear a tone when you open the driver’s door. When you turn off theheadlamp switch, the regular lamps will go off and your high-beam headlampscome Daytime Running Lamps/ Automatic on at the reduced brightnessof DRL. DRL also comes Headlamp Control on if you are only usingthe parking lamps. Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easierfor A light on theinstrument cluster will come on to others to seethe front of your vehicle during the day. indicate the DRLsystem is operating. See “Daytime DRL can be helpful in many different driving Running Lamps (Dm) Indicator Light” in the Index. conditions, but they can be especially helpfulthe in As with any vehicle, youshould turn on the regular short periods after dawn and before sunset. headlamp system when you need it. The DRL system will make yourhigh-beam headlamps come on at a reduced brightness when theparking brake is released with the engine started, even with thelamp switch in the OFF position. They will notgo off until the engine is turned off.
2-33 Interior Lamps Dome Lamp Instrument Panel Brightness Control The dome lamp has a three-position switch. This knob controls the brightness of your instrument panel lights. Turn the knob clockwise to brighten the lights or counterclockwiseto dim them.
L ON: The lamp comes on and stays on whetheror not a door is open. OFF: The lamp staysoff even when a dooris open. DOOR: The lamp comes on when a door is open.
2-34 Reading Lamp Mirrors I Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror
If you have a sunroof, you have a readinglamp near the sunroof switch. Pressthe switch to turn the lamp on and press it again to turn it off. An inside rearview mirror is attached to your roof.The mirror has a pivotso that you can adjust it up and down or side to side. You can adjust the mirrorfor day or night driving. Pull the tab for night driving to reduce glare. Push thetab for daytime driving.
2-35 Outside Manual Adjust Mirrors Convex Outside Mirror Adjust these mirrorsby hand so that you can just see the Your passenger’s side mirror is convex. A convex side of your vehicle whenyou are sitting in a mirror’s surfaceis curved so you can see morefrom the comfortable driving position. driver’s seat.
Power Rnmrr+npnn*rol Mirrors (Option) I The remote power mirror A CAUTION: .:ontrol is to the leftof your m- --
steering wheel.To adjust A cc ~~ vex mirror can make things (like other :ither mirror, move the vehicles) look farther away than they really are. -witch to L (left) or If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you R (right). Then use the could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your round touch pad to adjust inside mirror or glance over your shoulder before the mirror. changing lanes.
When you are done adjustingthe mirrors, move the control back to the center.
2-36 Storage Compartments Cupholder Glove Box To open the glove box door, squeeze the buttons. Always keep the glove box door closed while driving. Door Storage Compartments
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To open the cupholder, push and release the bar, then pull the cupholder out. With the cupsremoved, push it back in to store. . ...
The driver's door has a mapktorage compartment. You may also have a storage compartment on your passenger's door.
2-37 Console St0 ! Area Ashtrays and Lighter(If Equipped) A small storage area is in Pull the door to open the ashtray.To remove it, press the console between the down on the lock spring plate and pull the ashtray out. seats. If there is a cover, The rear ashtrayis on the backof the center console. lift it up to accessthe Pull on the topof the door to open it. To remove the storage area. ashtray, press down on the taband pull it out. "
I NOTICE: Don't put papers and other things that burn into your ashtray.If you do, cigarettes or other smoking materialscould set them on fire, causing damage.
When you are done us' .e ashtray, push it back to close it.
2-38 To use the lighter, push thelighter in all the way and let Sun Visors go. When it’s ready, it willpop back by itself. If the engine is not running, the key must bein the To block out glare, you can swing down the visors.You ACC position. can also swing themto the side. Visor Vanity Mirrors (Opti I) I 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.
Swing down the sun visor. Pull down the cover to expose the vanity mirror.
2-39 Sunroof (Option)
I \\ I II I
To open the sunroof, push the SLIDE arrow that points to the rearof the vehicle. To close it, push the other If you have a sunroof, you can tilt or openit. To tilt the arrow that points to the frontof the vehicle. The sunroof sunroof, press the switch markedUP. Press the other end will close partially and stop. Push the arrow again to of the switch to lower the sunroof.Your ignition mustbe close it completely.You can open the sunroof to on for this switch to work. any position.
2-40 If the sunroof will not close,follow these instructions: 3. Close the sunroof by hand as far as it will go. 1. Remove the cover screw Then insert a blade (use a cross-recess screwdriver into the screwdriver) and take hole and turn it off the sunroof clockwise until the control cover. sunroof is closed. w
Be sure to havethe sunroof checked by your Chevrolet/Geo dealer as soonas possible. 2. Carefully remove the inside screw, washers and spacers. Be careful not tolose this screw, the washers, or the spacers because the sunroof won’t work without them.
2-41 Instrument Panel
2-42 A. Side Window Defogger Vent N. Cigarette Lighter B. Electric Mirror Control 0. Hazard Warning Flashers C. Brightness Control P. Shift Lever D. Hood Release Q. Coinholder E. Turn SignaVMultifunction Lever R.Ashtray E T Wheel Lever S. Cupholder G. Instr -lent Cluster T. Audio System H. Hom/Driver’s Side Air Bag U. Comfort Control System I. Windshield Wiper Control V. Passenger’s Side Air Bag J. Ignition Switch W. Glove Box K. Windshield Washer Button X. Side Window Defogger Vent L. Cruise Control Y. Vent (Shut-Off) Thumbwheel M. Rear Window Defogger
2-43 Standard Cluster
Your instrument cluster isde; ned to let you know ata glance how your vehicleis running. You’ll know how fast you’re going,about how mum fuel you have left in your fuel tank, and many otherthings you’ll need to knowto drive safely and economically.
2-44 Optional Cluster
If you have the optional cluster, your instrument panel givesyou additional information.This cluster includes a tachometer. Speedometer and Odometer Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both miles This part describes the warning lights and gages that may per hour (mph) and kilometersper hour (km/h). Your be on your vehicle. The pictureswill help you locate them. odometer shows how far your vehicle has been driven, in miles. Warning lights and gages can signal that something is wrong beforeit becomes serious enough to causean Trip Odometer expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to your warning lights and gages could also save you or The trip odometer can tell you howfar your vehicle has others from injury. been driven since you last set the trip odometer to zero. Warning lights come on when there may be or a is To set the trip odometer to zero, press the knob. problem with one of your vehicle’s functions.As you will Tachometer see in the details on the next few pages, some warning lights come on briefly when youstart the engine just to let The tachometer showsengine speed in thousands of you know they’re working.If you are familiar withthis revolutions per minute (rpm). section, you should not bealarmed when this happens. Gages can indicate when there may beis ora problem NOTICE: with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages and warning lights work together letto you know when there’s a problem with your vehicle. Do not operate the engine with the tachometer in the red area, or engine damage may occur. When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on when you are driving, or whenone of the gagesshows there may be a problem,check the section that tells you what to do about it. Please follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to do repairs canbe costly -- and even dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights and gages.They’re a big help. 2-46 Safety Belt Reminder Light This light will come on for a few seconds when you When the key is turned to ON or START, a buzzer will start your engine. Thenthe come on for about eight seconds to remind people to light should go out. This fasten their safety belts, unlessthe driver’s safety beltis AIR means the system is ready. already buckled. BAG The safety belt light will also come on and stay on until the driver’s belt is buckled.
If the air bag readiness light stays on after startyou the engine or comes on when you are driving, your air bag system may not work properly. Have your vehicle serviced right away. The air bag readinesslight should come on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition key ON.to If the Air Bag Readiness Light light doesn’tcome on then, haveit fixed so it will be ready to warn you if thereis a problem. There is an air bag readinesslight on the instrument panel, which shows the words AIR BAG. The system checks the air bag’s electricalsystem for malfunctions. The light tells you if thereis an electrical problem. The system check includes the air bag sensors, the air bag modules, the wiring and the diagnostic module. For more information on the air bag system,see “Air Bag” in the Index. 2-47 Charging System Light Brake System WarningLight This light will come on Your Geo’s hydraulic brake systemis divided intotwo briefly when you turnon the parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can still ignition, but theengine is work and stop you. For good braking, though, you need not running, as a checkto both parts working well. show you it is working. If the warning light comes on, there couldbe a brake Then it should go out when problem. Have your brake system inspected right away. the engine starts. This light should comeon when you turn the keyto START. If it doesn’t come on then, haveit fixed so it If it stays on, or comeson while you are driving, you will be ready to warn youif may have a problem with the electrical charging system. BRAKE there’s a problem. It could indicate that you have a loose generator drive belt or another electrical problem. Haveit checked right away. Driving while this lightis on could drain your battery. If you must drive a short distance with the charging system light on,be certain to turn off all your If the light comes on while you are driving, pulloff the accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner. road and stop carefully.You may notice thatthe pedal is harder to push. Or, the pedal maygo closer to the floor. It may take longer to stop.If the light is still on, or if the anti-lock brake system warning lightis flashing, have the vehicle towedfor service. (See “Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light” and “TowingYour Vehicle” in the Index.) 2-48 I Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light r-/1\ CAUTION: (Option) With the anti-lock brake Your brake system may not be workingproperly system, this light willcome if the brake system warning light is on. Driving on when youstart your with the brake system warning light oncan lead engine and it will stay to an accident. If the light is still onor if the on for three seconds. anti-lock brake system warning light is flashing ABS That’s normal. after you’ve pulled off the road and stopped carefully, have the vehicle towedfor service.
I When the ignition is on,the brake system warning light will also come on when youset your parking brake.The If the light flashes whenyou’re driving, you don’t have light will stay onif your parking brake doesn’t release anti-lock brakes and there could be a problem with your fully. If it stays on afteryour parking brake is filly regular brakes. Pulloff the road andstop carefully. You released, it means youhave a brake problem. may notice thatthe pedal is harder to push. Or, thepedal may go closer to the floor. It may take longer to stop. Have the vehicle towedfor service. (See “TowingYour Vehicle” in the Index.)
2-49 I Anti-Lock Brake System Active Light ’ A CAUTION: (Option) When your anti-lock system Your regular Ldke system may not be working is adjusting brake pressure properly if the anti-lock brake system warning to help avoida braking skid, light is flashing. Driving with the anti-lock brake the anti-lock brake system system warning light flashing can lead to an ABS active light will come on. accident. After you’ve pulledoff the road and ACTIVE stopped carefully, have the vehicle towed for service. .~ If the anti-lock brake system warning light stays on longer than normal after you’ve started your engine,turn Slippery road conditionsmay exist if this light comes the ignition off. Or, if the light comes on and stayson on, so adjust your driving accordingly. The light will when you’re driving, stop as soon as possible and turn stay on fora few seconds after the system stops the ignition off. Thenstart the engine again to reset the adjusting brake pressure. system. If the light still stays on,or comes on again while you’re driving, your Geo needs service.If the The anti-lock brake system active light also comeson light is on but not flashing and the regular brake system briefly when you turn the ignition key toON. If the light warning light isn’t on,you still have brakes, butyou doesn’t come on then, haveit fixed so it will be there to don’t have anti-lock brakes. tell you when the system is active. The anti-lock brake system warning light should come on briefly when you turn the ignition keyto ON. If the light doesn’t comeon then, have it fixedso it will be ready to warn you if there isa problem. Engine Coolant Temperature Gage Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) Your Geo is equipped with a computer which monitors operation of the fuel, ignition andemission control systems. CHECK
Standard Cluster Optional Cluster This system is called OBDI1 (On-Board This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to gage pointer moves into the red area, yourengine is too assure thatemissions are at acceptable levelsfor hot! It means that yourengine coolant has overheated. the life of the vehicle, helping to producea cleaner If you have been operating your vehicleunder normal environment. (In Canada, OBD I1 is replaced by driving conditions, youshould pull off the road, stop Enhanced Diagnostics.) The CHECK ENGINE light your vehicle and turn off theengine as soon as possible. comes on to indicate that thereis a problem and service In “Problems on theRoad,” this manual shows what to is required. Malfunctions often will be indicated by the do. See “Engine Overheating” in the Index. system before any problemis apparent. This may prevent more serious damage to your vehicle.This system is also designed to assist your service technician in correctly diagnosing any malfunction.
2-51 If the LightIs Flashing NOTICE: The following may prevent more serious damageto your vehicle: If you keep drivingyour’vehicle with this light Reducing vehicle speed. on, after a while, your emission controlsmay not work as well, your fuel economy may not be as 0 Avoiding hard accelerations. good and your engine may not run as smoothly. Avoiding steep uphill grades. This could lead to costly repairs that may not be 0 If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amountof covered by your warranty. cargo being hauled as soon itas is possible. If the light stops flashing and remains on steady, “If see This light should come on, asa check to showyou it is the LightIs On Steady” following. working, when the ignitionis on and theengine is not running. If the light doesn’tcome on, have it repaired. If the light continues to flash, when it is safedo toso, This light will alsocome on during a malfunction inone stop the vehicle. Find a safe placeto park your vehicle. of two ways: Turn the key off, wait at least10 seconds and restart the engine. If the light remains on steady, see“If the Light Light Flashing -- A misfire condition has been Is On Steady” following. If the light is still flashing, detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and follow the previous steps, and drive the vehicle to your may damage the emission control system on your dealer or qualified service centerfor service. vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis and service is required. Light On Steady -- An emission control system malfunction has been detected on your vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis and service may be required.
2-52 If the Light Is On Steady Have you recently changedbrands of fuel? You may be able to correct theemission system If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel (see malfunction by considering the following: “Fuel” in the Index). Poor fuel quality willcause your engine not to run as efficiently as designed.You may Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water? notice this as stalling afterstart-up, stalling when you If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition put the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitationon will usually be corrected whenthe electrical system acceleration or stumbling on acceleration. (These dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off. conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up.) Are you low on fuel? This will be detected by the system andcause the light to turn on. As your engine starts to run outof fuel, your engine may not run as efficiently as designed since smallamounts of If you experience one or moreof these conditions, air are sucked into the fuel line causing a misfire. The change the fuel brand youuse. It will require at leastone system can detect this. Adding fuel should correct this full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off. condition. Make sure to install thefuel cap properly. It If none of the above stepshave made the light turn off, will take a few driving trips to turnthe light off. have your dealer or qualified service centercheck the vehicle. Your dealer has the proper testequipment and diagnostic tools to fix anymechanical or electrical problems that may havedeveloped.
2-53 Engine Oil Pressure Light Sometimes when theengine is idling at a stop, the light may blink on and off.This is normal. If you have a problem with your oil, this light may stay If you make a hard stop, the lightmay come on for a on after you start your moment. This is normal. engine or come on when you are driving. This indicates that there is not /tl CAUTION: enough oil pressureto keep your engine properly Don’t keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If lubricated and cool. you do, your engine can become so hot that it catches fire.You or others could be burned. Check your oil as soon as possible and have your The engine could be low on oil, or have some otheroil vehicle serviced. related problem. Haveit fixed right away. The oil light couldalso come on in three other situations. When the ignition is on but the engine is not running, the light will come on as a test to show you it is I NOTICE: I working, but the light willgo out when you turn the ~~ ignition to START. If it doesn’t come on with the Damage toyour engine from neglected oil ignition on, you may have a problem with thefuse or problems canbe costlyand is not covered by bulb. Haveit fixed right away. your warranty.
2-54 Overdrive Off Light Rear Window Defogger Light If you have an automatic This light will come on transaxle with whenever the rear window OVERDRIVE, this light . defogger is on. See “Rear appears on your instrument Window Defogger” in OD cluster. The light will come the Index. on whenever you turn off OFF the OVERDRIVE. See “Overdrive” in the Index.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Indicator Light This light is onthe instrument cluster. It goes on whenever theDaytime Running Lamps are on. See “Daytime Running Lamps” in the Index.
2-55 Fuel Gage Here arefive concerns some ownershave had aboutthe fuel gage. All these situationsare normal and do not indicate that anythingis wrong with the fuel gage. e At the gas station, the fuel pump shuts off before the gage reads FULL (F). e It takes the gage several minutes to read FULL(F) after filling the vehicle with fuel. e It takes more (or less) fuel fill to up than the gage reads. For example, the gage reads half full, butit took more (or less) than halfof the tank’s capacity to fill it. Standard Cluster Optional Cluster e The gage moves a little when you turn, stop or speed up. Your fuel gage shows about how much fuel is in your 0 When you turn theengine off, the gage doesn’tgo tank. The fuel gage works only whenthe ignition switch back to EMPTY (E). is ON. When the gage first indicates EMPTY (E),you still have a little fuel left (aboutone or two gallons/ 3.79L or 7.58L) butyou need to get more right away.
2-56 Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
In this section, you’llfind out how to operatethe comfort control and audio systems offered with your Geo.Be sure to read about the particular systems supplied with your vehicle.
3-2 Comfort Controls 3-6 Setting theClock for AM-FM Stereo with 3-2 Climate Control System Cassette Tape andCompact Disc Players 3-3 Air Conditioner Controls 3-7 AM-FM Stereo 3-3 Heating 3-8 AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player 3-4 Bi-Level 3-11 AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and 3-4 Ventilation System Compact Disc Player 3-5 Defogging and Defrosting 3- 15 Theft-Deterrent Feature 3-5 Rear Window Defogger 3-17 Understanding Radio Reception 3-6 Audio Systems 3-17 Tips AboutYour Audio System 3-6 Setting the Clock for AM-FM Stereo 3-18 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player 3-6 Setting the Clock for AM-FM Stereo with 3-19 Care of Your Compact Discs Cassette Tape Player 3- 19 Antenna Comfort Controls Airflow Knob de With this system, you can control the heating and # VENT This position directs the airflow through ventilation in your Geo.If you have the air conditioning the instrument panel vents. A. option, you can also control cooling. *P BI-LEVEL: This position directs the airflow Your vehicle also has the flow-through ventilation through the instrument panel vents and toward the floor. system described later in this section. ”$ FLOOR: This position directs the aifflow toward Climate Control System the floor. wdw. DEFOG: This position directs the airflow toward the floor, the windshield and the side windows. DEFROST This position directs the airflow to the windshield and side windows. Fan Knob Turn the knob away fromOFF to turn the system on. Turn the knob towardHI to increase thefan’s speed. Temperature Knob Turn the knob to change the temperatureof the air flowing from the system. Turn theknob clockwise to increase the temperature.Turn the knob counterclockwise to decrease the temperature.The air temperature can’t be less than the outside air temperature.
3-2 Air Intake Lever For normal cooling, push the A/C button and move the air intakelever to CIRCULATEfor normal cooling. RECIRCULATE: Choose this position a For faster cooling, move the lever to RECIRCULATE. to recirculate the inside airthrough the comfort Then movethe airflow knob to VENT and turnthe control system. temperature control knob counterclockwise. Turn the &h CIRCULATE: Choose this position to circulate fan knob to HI. outside air through the comfort control system. On days when it is raining or the humidityis high, Air Conditioner Controls (Option) follow these dehumidifying steps insteadof the cooling directions. It will help clean windows that cloudyare The air conditioning system uses the same controls as with moisture. described previously. Push the A/C button. Move the air intake lever to The function of each control is explained under CIRCULATE and turnthe airflow knob to DEFROST. “Climate Control System” in this part.The incoming air Turn the fan knob to HI and adjust thetemperature knob is cooled and dehumidified instead of being heated. to a comfortable setting. Push the A/C button to change your comfort control system from heating to air conditioning.A light will Heating come on when the air conditioningis on. The A/C For the quickest results, move the airintake lever to button can also control the humidityin your vehicle. RECIRCULATE and the airflowknob to FLOOR. The air conditioner works bestif you keep your Turn the temperature knob clockwise for warmer air and windows closed. On very hot days, open the windows turn the fanknob toward HI. You should switch to just long enough for the hot air to escape. CIRCULATE once in a while to avoid stale air and cloudy windows. To prevent cold airfrom blowing in, you may shut off the outer dash vents by using the thumbwheels.
3-3 Bi-Level You may want to use bi-level heating on cool, but sunny days. This setting directs outside air toward your body and warmer air toward yourfeet. Move the air intake lever to CIRCULATE and turn the aifflow knob to BI-LEVEL. Turn the temperature knob to the white area and thefan knob towardHI. Ventilation System For mild outside temperatures, when very little heating is required, you can still direct outside air through your vehicle. Move the air intake lever to CIRCULATEand turn the airflow knob to VENT. Turn the temperature knob to a Adjust the directionof airflow by moving the louvered vents. comfortable setting andthe fan knob toward HI. Your Geo’s flow-through ventilation system supplies outside air into the vehicle whenit is moving. Outside air will also enter the vehicle when the heater or the air conditioning fan isrunning and the air intake lever is at CIRCULATE.
3-4 Ventilation Tips Rear Window Defogger (Option) 0 Keep the hood and front air inletfree of ice, snow or The rear window defogger any other obstruction (such as leaves).The heater uses a warminggrid to and defroster will workfar better, reducing the remove fog from the chance of fogging the insideof your windows. rear window. 0 When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, move the fan lever toward HI for a few moments before driving off. This helps clear the intake ducts of snow and moisture, and reduces the chanceof fogging the inside of your windows. 0 Keep the air path under the front seats clear of objects. This helps air to circulate throughout your vehicle. Press the switchto turn on the defogger.The defogger 0 Shut off outboard dash ventsto keep cold airfrom will stay onfor about 15 minutes, then it will shutoff blowing in. automatically. You can also turn it off by pressing the Defogging and Defrosting switch again. Useit only when theengine is running. Make sure you turn the defogger off when the window is Move theair intake leverto CIRCULATE and turn clear. Leaving the defoggeron for a long time could the airflow knob to DEFROST to direct air to the cause the batteryto run down, especially during windshield vents. Turnthe temperature knob clockwise stop-and-go driving. The defogger is not designed for and the fan knob towardHI. drying water or melting snow. When the windshieldis clear, turn downthe fan speed. Do not attach anythinglike a temporary vehicle license To defog the windshield and side windows,turn the or a decal across the defogger grid on the rear window. airflow knob to DEFOG. If you have theair conditioning option, push the A/C button for quicker defogging.
3-5 Setting the Clock for AM-FM Stereo I th I NOTICE: Cassette Tape Player Press and hold RCL-PROG(TIME SET) to setthe Don’t use a razor blade or something else sharp correct hour. At the same time, press and hold the on the insideof the rear window.If you do, you TUNE left arrow (HR) until the correct hour appears. could cut or damage the warming grid, and the repairs wouldn’t be coveredwarranty. by Press your and hold RCL-PROG(TIME SET) to set the correct minute. At the same time, press and hold 1the TUNE right arrow (MIN) until the correct Audio Systems minute appears. Your Delco@audio system has been designed to operate Setting the Clock for AM-FM Stereo with easily and give yearsof listening pleasure.You will get Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Players the most enjoymentout of it if you acquaint yourself with it first. Find out what yourDelco system can do Press and hold the RCLup and down arrow(TIME and how to operate all its controls,to be sure you’re SET). At the same time, press and hold theTUNE left getting the most out of the advanced engineering that arrow (HR)until the correct hour appears. went into it. Press and hold the RCL up and down arrow (TIME SET). At the same time, press and hold the TUNE right Setting the Clock for AM-FM Stereo arrow (MIN) until the correctminute appears. Press and hold RCL (TIMESET) to set the correct hour. At the same time, press and hold theTUNE left arrow (HR) untilthe correct hour appears. Press and hold RCL (TIMESET) to set the correct minute. At the same time, press and hold the TUNE right arrow (MIN) until the correct minute appears.
3-6 AM-FM Stereo (If Equipped) Finding a Station AM-FM: Press this button to switch betweenAM and FM. The lighted display shows your selection. TUNE: Press the right or left arrow to goa to higher or lower station. Press and hold to continue tuning and release when you find your station.The display will show the frequencyof each station tuned. SEEK: Press the right or left arrow to go to the next higher or lower station and stay there. PUSHBUTTONS: The six numbered pushbuttons let you return to your previously played stations.You can set up to 12 stations (six AM and six FM). Just: 1. Turn the radio on. 2. Press AM-FM to select the band. Playing the Radio 3. Tune in the desired station. ON-VOL: This knob turns the system on and off and 4. Press one of the six pushbuttons, for at least controls the volume. To increase volume andturn the two seconds. The sound will mute and then return radio on, turn the knob clockwise. Turn it when the station is stored. Whenever you press that counterclockwise to decrease volume. numbered button, the station you set will return. RCL: Display the time withthe ignition off by pressing 5. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton. this button. When the radio is playing, press this button to recall the station frequency.
3-7 Setting the Tone AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player BASS: Turn the control behind the TREB knob (If Equipped) clockwise to increase bass. Turnit counterclockwise to decrease bass. TREB: Turn this knob clockwise to increase treble. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease treble.If a station is weak or noisy, you may want to decrease the treble. Adjusting the Speakers BAL: Turn this control behind theFADE knob to move the sound between the left and right speakers.The middle position balancesthe sound between the speakers. FADE: Turn this knobto move the sound between the front and rear speakers.The middle position balances the sound between the speakers. Playing the Radio ON-VOL: This knob turns the system on andon and controls the volume. To increase volume and turn the radio on, turn the knob clockwise. Turnit counterclockwise to decrease volume. RCLRROG: Display the time with the ignition off by pressing this button. When the radio is playing, press this button to recall the station frequency. 3-8 Finding a Station PRESET SCAN:Press this button to heareach of your favorite stations storedon your pushbuttons for a few AM-FM: Press this button toswitch between AM, FM1 seconds. Whenyou want to stop at chosena station, and FM2. The display shows your selection. press PRESET SCAN again. TUNE: Press the right or left arrow togo to a higher or lower station. Press and hold tocontinue tuning and Setting the Tone release when you find yourstation. The display will BASS: Turn the control behind theTREB knob show the frequency of each station tuned. clockwise to increase bass. Turn counterclockwiseit to SEEK: Press the right or left arrow togo to the next decrease bass. higher or lower station and stay there. TREB: Turn this knob clockwise to increase treble. PUSHBUTTONS: The six numbered pushbuttons let you Turn it counterclockwise to decrease treble.If a station return to your previously played stations. You can set up to is weak or noisy, you may want to decrease the treble. 18 stations (six AM, six FM1 and six FM2). Just: Treble and basscannot be adjusted manually when 1. Turn the radio on. TONE SELECT ison. 2. Press AM-FM to select the band. TONE SELECT Press this button tochoose preset bass and treble equalization settingsdesigned for 3. Tune in the desired station. ROCK, NEWS,POP, JAZZ and CLASSICAL. 4. Press one of the six pushbuttons, for at least ROCK will appear when you first press TONE two seconds. The sound will mute and then return SELECT. Each time you press it, another setting will when the station is stored.Whenever you press that appear on the display. If you press itone more time, numbered button, the station you set will return. after CLASSICAL appears on the display,tone control 5. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton. will be back to the BASS and TREB knob.
3-9 Adjusting the Speakers R*M(2): Press this button to hearthe radio when you BAL: Turn this control behind the FADE knob to move are fast forwardingor reversing a cassette tape.You can the sound between the right and left speakers. The middle use the TUNE, SEEK and PRESET SCAN buttons position balances the sound between the speakers. while in the radio monitor mode.The six preset buttons cannot be used while in this mode. FADE: Turn this knob to move the sound between the front and rear speakers. The middle position balances FF (3): Press this button to advance rapidly to another the sound between the speakers. part of the tape. PressFF, RCLPROG or EJECT to return to playing speed. Playing a Cassette Tape PREV (4): Press this button togo back to the beginning Your tape player is builtto work best with tapes that are of the last selection. Press PREV again or press 30 to 45 minutes long oneach side. Tapes longer than RCLPROG or EJECT to cancel this function. that are so thin they may not work well in this player. 00 (5): Press this buttonto reduce background noise The longer side withthe tape visible should face to the from tapes encoded with DolbyNR. right. If you hear nothing or hearjust a garbled sound, it Dolby@Noise Reductionis manufactured under a may not be in squarely. Press EJECT to remove the tape license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. and start over. Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarksof Once the tape is playing, usethe knobs for VOL,FADE, Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. TREB, BASS and BALjust as you do for the radio. The NEXT (6):Press this button togo forward tothe lighted arrows show which side of the tape is playing. beginning of the next selection. Press the button again or REW (1): Press this button to reverse the tape rapidly. press RCLPROG or EJECT to cancel this function. Press REW or RCLPROG to return to plaving speed.If For NEXT to work properly, your tape must have at you press RCLRROG, the tape will also c nqe sides. least threeor four seconds of silence between each selection. If you press RCLmROG, the tape will also change sides.
3-10 MTL: Your bias is set automatically. MTL will appear AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and on your display when a metal chromeor tape is inserted. Compact Disc Player(If Equipped) RCLFROG: Press this buttonto switch from one side of the tape to the other.Your cassette tape playercan play continuously because the player has an auto-reverse feature. TAPE: Press this button when the radio is playing to switch to tape play.To switch from the tape to the radio when the tape is playing, press the AM-FM button. EJECT: Press this button to remove the tape and switch to radio. If you leave a cassette tape in the player while listening to the radio, it may become warrn. CLN: If this message appears on the display, the cassette tape player needs to becleaned. It will still play tapes, but you should cleanit as soon as possible to prevent damage to the tapes and player.See “Care of Your Cassette Tape Player” in the Index. Afteryou clean Playing the Radio the player, press and holdEJECT for five seconds to reset the CLN indicator. The radio will display--- to ON-VOL: This knob turns the systemon and off and show the indicator was reset. controls the volume.To increase volume andturn the radio on, turn the knob clockwise. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease volume. RCL: Display the time with the ignitionoff by pressing this button. When the radio is playing, press this button to recall the station frequency. 3-11 Finding a Station PSCAN: Press this button to listen to eachof your favorite stations stored on your pushbuttonsfor a few AM-FM: Press this buttonto get FM1 or FM2. AM, seconds. The radio will scan through eachof the stations The display shows your selection. stored on your pushbuttons. When you want to stopa at TUNE: Press the right or left arrow goto to a higher or chosen station, press PSCAN again. lower station. Press and holdto continue tuning and release when you find your station. The display will Setting the Tone show the frequencyof each station tuned. BASS: Turn the control behind the TREB knob SEEK: Press the rightor left arrow to go to the next clockwise to increase bass. Turnit counterclockwise to higher or lower station and stay there. decrease bass. PUSHBUTTONS: The six nunibered pushbuttons let you TREB: Turn this knob clockwise to increase treble. retum to your previously played stations.You can set up to Turn it counterclockwise to decrease treble.If a station 18 stations (sixAM, six FM1 and six FM2). Just: is weak or noisy, you may want to decrease the treble. 1. Turn the radio on. Treble and bass cannot be adjusted manually when TONE SELECTis on. 2. Press AM-FM to select the band. TONE SELECT Press this button to choose preset 3. Tune in the desired station. bass and treble equalization settings designed for ROCK, 4. Press one of the six pushbuttons,for at least two NEWS, POP, JAZZ and CLASSICAL. ROCK will appear seconds. The sound will mute and then return when when you first press TONE SELECT. Each time you press the station is stored. Wheneveryou press that it, another setting will appear on the display.If you press it numbered button, the station youset will return. one more time, after CLASSICAL appears on the display, 5. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton. tone control will be backto the BASS andTREB knob. LOUD: To increase bassat low volumes, press this button. LOUD will appear in the display.
3-12 Adjusting the Speakers FF (3): Press this button toadvance quickly to another part of the tape. PressFF, RCL or STOP to return to BAL: Turn this control behind the FADE knob to move playing speed. the sound between the right and left speakers. The middle position balances the sound between the speakers. PRV (4): Press this button to searchfor the previous selection on the tape.Your tape must have at least three FADE: Turn this knob to move the sound between the or four seconds of silence between each selectionfor front and rear speakers.The middle position balances PREV to work. Press NXT, RCL orSTOP to cancel the sound betweenthe speakers. this function. Playing a Cassette Tape RDM (5): When playing a tape, press this button during Your tape player is built to work best with tapes that are FF or REW to hear the radio. Press it again turn to the 30 to 45 minutes long on each side. Tapes longer than radio off. During this operation, only TUNE, SEEK and that are so thin they may not work wellin this player. PSCAN will work. The longer side with the tape visible should face to the NXT (6): Press this button to search for the next right. If you hear nothing or hearjust a garbled sound, selection on the tape.Your tape must have at least three it may not be in squarely. PressSTOP or EJECT to or four seconds of silence between each selection for remove the tape and start over. NXT to work. Press NXT, RCL or STOP to cancel this function. Once the tape is playing, use the knobs for VOL, FADE, TREB, BASS and BALjust as you do for the radio. The 00:Press this button toreduce background noise from lighted arrows show which side of the tape is playing. tapes encoded with Dolby NR. REW (1): Press this button to reversethe tape rapidly. Dolby@Noise Reduction is manufactured undera Press FEW, RCL or STOP to return to playing speed. license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarksof RPT (2): Press this button togo to the beginning of the Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. selection and play it again. PressRPT again to cancel this function.
3-13 MTL: Your bias is set automatically. MTL willappear Playing a Compact Disc on the display whena metal orchrome tape is inserted. With the radio on, insert a disc into theCD slot, label RCL: Press this button to switchfrom one side of the side up.The player will pullit in. The disc should tape to the other. begin playing. CD-TP: Press this button to switch between playing a Don’t use the mini-discs (three-inch singles). They tape and aCD when both are inserted. won’t eject. Use full-size compact discs. STOP: Press this button to stop the tape and switch to If you’re driving on a very rough road or if it’s very hot, the radio. the disc may not play and ERR (error) may appear on EJECT: Press this button to remove the tape and switch the display. Press RCL to takeERR off the display. to the radio.If you leave a cassette tape in the player When things get backto normal, the disc should play.If while listening to the radio, may it become warm. the disc comes out, it could be that: CLN: If this message appears onthe display, the The disc is upside down. cassette tape player needs to be cleaned. It will still play It is dirty, scratched or wet. tapes, but you should clean it as soon as possible to 0 It is very humid. (If so, wait about an hour and prevent damage to the tapes and player.See “Care of try again.) Your Cassette Tape Player” inthe Index. Afteryou clean the player, press and holdEJECT for five seconds to REW (1): Press and hold this buttonto quickly reverse reset the CLN indicator. The radio will display--- to within a track. Release itto play the passage. show the indicator was reset. RPT (2): Press this buttononce to hear a selection over again. FF (3): Press and hold this buttonto quickly advance within a track. Release it to resume playing.
3-14 PRV (4): Press this button togo to the startof a current Theft-Deterrent Feature track. If you hold the button, or press it more than once, the player willcontinue moving back throughthe disc. The theft-deterrent feature for the AM-FM stereo with cassette tape or compact disc players can be used or RDM (5):Press this button tohear the tracks inrandom, ignored. If ignored, the system plays normally.If it is rather than sequential, order. PressRDM or RPT again used, your system won’tbe usable if it’s ever stolen to turn off random play. because it will go into LOC mode. NXT (6):Press this button togo to the next track. If you If your vehicle loses battery powerfor any reason, you hold the button, or press it more than once, the player must enter your secretcode again before the system will will continue moving forward through the disc. turn on. COMP: Press this buttonto make soft and loud Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature passages more nearly equal in volume. The following instructions will tellyou how to enter a RCL: Press this button to see which track is playing. Press security code into the system. RCL again, within five seconds, to see how long it has been playing (elapsed time). The track numberalso appears when NOTE: If you allow more than15 seconds to elapse the disc is inserted or you changethe volume. between any steps, the radio automatically reverts to time and you must start the procedure over Step at 4. CD-TP: Press this buttonto switch between playing a tape and aCD when both are inserted. 1. Write down any four-digit number andkeep it in a STOP: Press this button or AM-FM to stopplaying the safe place. disc and switch to radio. PressSTOP again to restart the 2. Turn the ignition switch to ACCESSORY or ON. disc at the point where it stopped. 3. Turn the radio off. EJECT Press this button to remove thedisc. The radio will play. The disc will start at the first track when you reinsert it. If you leave acompact disc in the player while listening to theradio, it may become warm.
3-15 4. Press the 1 and 4 buttons together. Hold them down Disabling the Theft-Deterrent Feature until ---- shows on the display. If your radio is secured (SEC shows on the display) and 5. Press the SEEK right or left arrow, or the TUNE you wish to disable it, enter your security codeas right or left arrow and 0000 will appearon follows, pausing no more than 15 seconds the display. between steps. 6. Press the SEEK left arrow and holdit until the first 1. Press the 1 and 4 buttons together. Hold them down digit of your code appears. Release the button. until SEC shows on the display.You are now ready 7. Press the SEEK right arrow and hold it until the to enter your security code. second digitof your code appears. Release 2. Press the SEEK left arrow and hold it until the first the button. digit of your code appears. 8. Press the TUNEleft arrow and holdit until the third 3. Press the SEEK right arrow and hold it until the digit of your code appears. Release the button. second digitof your code appears. 9. Press the TUNE right arrow and hold it until the 4. Press the TUNE left arrow and holdit until the third fourth digit of your code appears. Release digit of your code appears. the button. 5. Press the TUNE right arrow and hold it until the 10. Press AM-FM after you have checked that the code fourth digitof your code appears. you entered is the one you wrote down. Then, REP 6. Press AM-FM after you have checked that the code will appearon the display which meansyou need to you entered matches the one you wrote down and repeat Steps 5 through 9. 0000 should now appear on the display.You will 11, Press AM-FM again and the display will now need to repeat the above procedure. show SEC. 7. If the code is correct, the radio will now operate.If the code is wrong,ERR will appear on the display.
3-16 Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature After a Understanding Radio Reception Power Loss FM Stereo If power is disrupted to the radio while in the SEC mode, the unit will notwork and LOC will show on the FM stereo willgive you the best sound. But FM signals display whenever the ignitionis on. To unlock the unit, will reach only about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). Tall press the left or right SEEK arrows, or theleft or right buildings or hillscan interfere with FM signals, causing TUNE arrows and 0000 will appear on the display. the sound tocome and go. 1. Press the SEEK left arrow and holdit until the first AM digit of your code appears. The range for most AM stations is greater thanfor FM, 2. Press the SEEK right arrow and holdit until the especially at night.The longer range, however,can second digit of your code appears. cause stations to interfere with each other.AM can pick 3. Press the TUNE left arrow and hold it until the third up noise from things like storms and powerlines. Try digit of your code appears. reducing the treble to reducethis noise if youever get it. 4. Press the TUNE right arrow and hold it until the Tips About Your Aut--, System fourth digit of your code appears. Hearing damage from loud noiseis almost undetectable 5. Press AM-FM after you have checked thatthe code until it is too late. Your hearing can adapt to higher matches the one you wrote down. Now the time of volumes of sound. Sound that seems normal can be day will appear on the display. (Please note that if an loud andharmful to your hearing. Take precautions by incorrect code is entered, ERR will appear on the adjusting the volume control on your radioa tosafe display and theabove steps needto be repeated.) sound level before your hearing adaptsto it.
3-17 To help avoid hearingloss or damage: Care of Your Cassette Tape Player Adjust the volume control to thelowest setting. A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause Increase volume slowly until you hear comfortably reduced sound quality, ruined cassettesor a damaged and clearly. mechanism. Cassette tapes should be stored in their cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight and extreme heat. If they aren’t, they may not operate NOTICE: properly or may cause failureof the tape player. Your tape player should be cleaned regularly after every Before you add any sound equipmentto your 50 hours of use. Your radio may display CLN to indicate vehicle -- like a tape player, CB radio, mobile that you have used your tape playerfor 50 hours without telephone or two-way radio -- be sure you can add resetting the tape clean timer.If this message appears on what you want. If you can, it’s very important to the display, your cassette tape player needsto be do it properly. Added sound equipment may cleaned. It will still play tapes, but you should cleanit as interfere with the operationof your vehicle’s soon as possible to prevent damage to your tapes and player. If you notice a reduction in sound quality,try a engine, Delco radio or other systems, and even known good cassette to see if is it the tape or the tape damage them. Your vehicle’s systemsmay interfere player at fault.If this other cassette has no improvement with the operationof sound equipmentthat has in sound quality, clean the tape player. been added improperly. So, before adding sound equipment, check with your dealer and be sure to checkFederal rules covering mobileradio and telephone units.
3-18 Cleaning may be done with a scrubbing action, Care of Your Compact Discs non-abrasive cleaning cassette with pads whichscrub the tape headas the hubs of the cleaner cassette turn. It Handle discs carefully.Store them in their original cases is normal for the cassette to eject while cleaning. Insert or other protective cases and awayfrom direct sunlight the cassette at least three times toensure thorough and dust. If the surface of a disc is soiled, dampen a cleaning. A scrubbing action cleaning cassetteis clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solutionand available through your Geo dealership. clean it, wipingfrom the center to the edge. You may also choose a non-scrubbing action, wet-type Be sure never to touch the signal surface when handling cleaner which uses a cassette witha fabric belt to clean discs. Pick up discsby grasping the outeredges or the the tape head.This type of cleaning cassette will not edge of the hole and the outer edge. eject and, it may not clean as thoroughly asthe Antenna scrubbing type cleaner. Use the knob on the endof the antenna to raise the After you clean the player, press and holdEJECT for antenna. To lower it, hold the antenna mast near the roof five seconds to reset theCLN indicator. The radio will and feedit into the holder. Do not try to lower the display --- to show the indicator was reset. antenna using the knob. Keep theantenna mast cleanfor Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may good performance. degrade over time. Always make surethe cassette tape Always lower the antenna before entering a car wash. is in good condition before you have your tape player serviced.
3-19 fi NOTES
3-20 Your Driving and the Road
Here you’ll find information about driving on differentkinds of roads and in varying weather conditions. We’vealso included many other useful tips on driving.
4-2 Defensive Driving 4-17 Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads 4-2 Drunken Driving 4-20 City Driving 4-6 Control of a Vehicle 4-2 1 Freeway Driving 4-6 Braking 4-22 Before Leaving on aLong Trip 4- 10 Steering 4-23 Highway Hypnosis 4-12 Off-Road Recovery 4-23 Hill and Mountain Roads 4- 12 Passing 4-25 Winter Driving 4- 14 Loss of Control 4-29 Loading Your Vehicle 4- 15 Driving at Night 4-3 1 Towing a Trailer
4-1 P
a national tragedy. It’s the numberone contributor to the highway death toll, claiming thousandsof victims Defensive Driving every year. The best advice anyone cangive about drivingis: Alcohol affectsfour things that anyone needs to drive Drive defensively. a vehicle: Please start with a very important safety device in your Judgment Geo: Buckle up. (See “Safety Belts” in the Index.) MuscularCoordination Vision Attentiveness. 4-2 Police records show thatalmost half of all motor The Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of someone vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases, who is drinkingdepends upon four things: these deaths are the resultof someone who was drinking 0 The amount of alcohol consumed and driving. In recent years,some 17,000 annual motor vehicle-related deaths have been ass,ociated with the use 0 The drinker’s body weight of alcohol, with more than300,000 people injured. The amount of food that is consumed before and Many adults -- by some estimates, nearly half the adult during drinking population -- choose never to drink alcohol,so they The length of time it has taken the drinker to never drive after drinking.For persons under 21, it’s consume the alcohol. against the law in every U.S. state to drink alcohol. There are good medical,psychological and According tothe American Medical Association, a developmental reasons for these laws. 180-lb. (82 kg) person who drinks three12-ounce (355 ml) bottles of beer in an hour will end up witha The obvious way to solve this highway safety problem BAC of about 0.06 percent. The person would reachthe is for people never to drink.alcohol and then drive. But same BAC by drinking three 4-ounce (120 ml) glasses what if people do? How much is “too much” if the of wine or three mixed drinksif each had 1- 1/2 ounces driver plans todrive? It’s a lot less than many might (45 ml) of a liquor like whiskey, ginor vodka. think. Although it depends on each person and situation, here is some general information on the problem.
4-3 Since alcohol is carried in body water, this means that a woman generally will reach a higherBAC level than a man of her same body weight when each has the same number of drinks. The law in many U.S. states setsthe legal limit at a BAC of 0.10 percent. In a growing numberof U.S. states, and throughout Canada, the limitis 0.08 percent. In some other countries, it’s even lower.The BAC limit for all commercial drivers in the United Statesis 0.04 percent. The BAC will be over 0.10 percent after three to six drinks (inone hour). Of course, as we’ve seen,it depends on how much alcohol is in the drinks, and how quickly the person drinks them. But the ability to driveis affected well below BACa of 0.10 percent. Research shows that the driving skills of many peopleare impaired at a BAC approaching It’s the amount of alcohol that counts. For example,if 0.05 percent, and that the effects are worse at night. All the same person drank threedouble martinis (3 ounces drivers are impaired atBAC levels above 0.05 percent. or 90 ml of liquor each) within an hour, the person’s Statistics show that the chanceof being in a collision BAC would be closeto 0.12 percent. A person who increases sharply for drivers who haveBAC a of consumes foodjust before or during drinking will have a 0.05 percent or above. A driver with aBAC level of somewhat lowerBAC level. 0.06 percent has doubled hisor her chanceof having a collision. At a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the chanceof There is a gender difference, too. Women generally have this driver having a collisionis 12 times greater; at a a lower relative percentageof body water than men. level of 0.15 percent, the chanceis 25 times greater!
4-4 The body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol in one drink. No amount of coffee or numberof cold showers will speed that up. “I’ll be careful” isn’t the right answer. What if there’s an emergency, a need to take sudden action, as when a child darts into the street? Drinking and then driving is very dange1”rls. A person with evena moderate BAC might not be able Your reflexes, perceptions, attentivenessand to react quickly enough to avoid the collision. judgment can be affected by even a small amount There’s something else about drinking and driving that of alcohol. You can have a serious -- or even many people don’t know. Medical research shows that fatal 0- collision if you drive after drinking. alcohol in a person’ssystem can make crash injuries Please don’tdrink and drive or ride with a driver worse, especially injuries tothe brain, spinal cord or who has been drinking. Ride home ina cab; or if heart. This means that whenanyone who has been you’re with a group, designatea driver who will drinking -- driver or passenger -- is in a crash, that not drink. person’s chance of being killed or permanently disabled is higher than if the person had not been drinking.
4-5 Control of a Vehicle Braking You have three systems that make your vehiclego where Braking action involvesperception time and you want it to go. They arethe brakes, the steering and reaction time. the accelerator. All three systems havedo to their work First, you haveto decide to push on the brake pedal. at the places where the tires meet the road. That’s perception time. Then you have to bringup your foot and do it. That’s reaction time. Average reaction time is about 314 of a second. But that’s only an average. It might be less with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination and eyesight all play a part.So do alcohol, drugs and frustration. But even in 3/4 of a second, a vehicle moving 60at mph (100 lun/h) travels 66 feet (20 m). That could bea lot of distance in an emergency,so keeping enough space between your vehicle and others is important. And, of course, actual stopping distancesvary greatly with the surfaceof the road (whether it’s pavementor gravel); the conditionof the road (wet,dry, icy); tire tread; the conditionof your brakes; the weightof the vehicle and the amountof brake force applied.
Sometimes, as when you’re driving on snow or ice, it’s easy to ask more of those control systems than the tires and road can provide. That meansyou can lose control of your vehicle. 4-6 Avoid needless heavy braking.Some people drive in Anti-Lock Brakes (Option) spurts -- heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking -- rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a Your vehicle may have anti-lock brakes (ABS).ABS is mistake. Your brakes may not havetime to cool between an advanced electronic brakingsystem that will help hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you prevent a braking skid. do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realisticfollowing distances, you will If your vehicle has anti-lock eliminate alot of unnecessary braking. That means brakes, this warning light on better braking and longerbrake life. the instrument panel will come on briefly when you If your engine ever stops while you’re driving, brake normally but don’t pump your brakes.If you do, the ABS pedal may get harder to push down. If yourengine stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But you will use it when you brake.Once the power assistis used up, it may take longerto stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push. When you start your engine, or when you begin to drive away, your anti-lock brake system willcheck itself. You may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while this test is going on, and you may even notice that your brake pedal moves alittle. This is normal. If there’s a problem with the anti-lock brake system, the anti-lock brake system warning light will stay onor flash. See “Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light” in the Index.
4-7 The anti-lock system can change the brake pressure faster than any driver could.The computer is programmed to make the mostof available tire and road conditions.
Here’s how anti-lock works. Let’s say the road is wet. You’re driving safely. Suddenly an animaljumps out in front of you. You slam on the brakes. Here’s what happens withABS. A computer senses that wheels are slowing down.If one You can steer around the obstacle while braking hard. of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates on separately work the brakes ateach front wheel and at the wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly. rear wheels.
4-8 Remember: Anti-lock doesn’t change the time you need Braking in Emergencies to get your footup to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in At some time, nearlyevery driver gets into a situation front of you, you won’thave time to apply your brakes that requires hard braking. if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave If you have anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the enough room up ahead to stop, even though youhave same time. However,if you don’t have anti-lock, your anti-lock brakes. first reaction -- to hit the brake pedal hard and holdit down -- may be the wrong thing todo. Your wheels can Using Anti-Lock stop rolling. Once they do, the vehicle can’t respondto Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down your steering. Momentum will carry it in whatever and let anti-lock work for you. You may feel the system direction it was headed when the wheels stopped rolling. working, or you may notice some noise, butthis is normal. That could be off the road, into the very thing you were trying to avoid,or into traffic. When your anti-lock system If you don’t have anti-lock, use “squeeze”a braking is adjusting brake pressure technique. This will give you maximum braking while ~ to help avoid a braking skid, maintaining steering control.You do this by pushing on this light willcome on. See the brake pedal with steadily increasing pressure. ABS “Anti-Lock Brake System Active Light” in the Index. In an emergency, you will probably want tosqueeze the ACTIVE brakes hard without locking the wheels.If you hear or feel the wheels sliding, ease off the brake pedal.This will help you retain steering control. (If youdo have anti-lock, it’s different:see “Anti-Lock Brakes” in the Index.) In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking.
4-9 Steering Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly apply the brakes. Both control Power Steering systems -- steering and braking-- have to do their work where the tires meet the road. Unless you have four-wheel If you lose power steering assist because theengine anti-lock brakes, adding the hard braking can demand too stops or the systemis not functioning, you can steer but much of those places. You can lose control. it will take much more effort. The same thing can happenif you’re steering through a Steering Tips sharp curve and you suddenly accelerate. Those two control systems -- steering and acceleration-- can Driving on Curves overwhelm those places where the tires meet the road It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed. and makeyou lose control. A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on What shouldyou do if this everhappens? Ease up on the the news happen on curves. Here’s why: brake or accelerator pedal, steerthe vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down. Experienced driver or beginner,each of us is subject to the samelaws of physics when driving on curves.The Speed limit signs near curves warn thatyou should traction of the tires against the road surface makes it adjust your speed.Of course, the posted speedsare possible for the vehicleto change its path when you turn based on good weather and road conditions. Under less the front wheels. If there’s no traction, inertia will keep favorable conditions you’ll wantto go slower. the vehicle going in the same direction.If you’ve ever If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a tried to steer a vehicle on wetice, you’ll understand this. curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front The traction you can get ina curve depends on the wheels are straight ahead. condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at Try to adjust your speedso you can “drive” through the which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you’re curve. Maintaina reasonable, steady speed.Wait to in a curve, speed isthe one factoryou can control. accelerate untilyou are out of the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. Steering in Emergencies There are times when steeringcan be more effective than braking.For example, you come over a hill and find a truckstopped in your lane, ora car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front of you. You can avoid these problems by braking -- if you can stop in time. Butsometimes you can’t; there isn’t room. That’s the time for evasive action -- steering around the problem. Your Geo can perform very well inemergencies like these. First apply your brakes-- but, unless youhave anti-lock, not enough to lock your wheels. (See “Braking in Emergencies” earlier in this section.)It is better to remove as much speedas you can from a An emergency like this requires close attention and a possible collision. Then steer around the problem, to the quick decision. If you are holdingthe steering wheel at left or rightdepending on the space available. the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheelonce you have avoided the object. The fact that such emergency situationsare always possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving at all times and wear safety belts properly.
4-11 Off-Road Recovery Passing You may find sometime that your right wheels have The driver of a vehicle about to pass anotheron a dropped off the edgeof a road onto the shoulder while two-lane highway waits forjust the right moment, you’re driving. accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goes back into the right lane again.A simple maneuver? Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on a two-lane highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the passing vehicle occupies the same laneas oncoming traffic for several seconds.A miscalculation, an errorin judgment, or a brief surrender to frustration or anger can ,- LEFT APPAOX. QUARTER TURN suddenly put the passing driverface to face with the worst of all traffic accidents-- the head-on collision. So here are some tips for passing: “Drive ahead.” Look down the road, to the sides and to y// y// edge of paved surtace crossroads for situations that might affect your passing patterns. If you have any doubt whatsoever about making a successful pass, wait for a better time. Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings and lines. If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the If you can see a sign up ahead that might indicate a pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Easeoff the turn or an intersection, delay your pass.A broken accelerator and then,if there is nothing in the way, steerso center line usually indicates it’s all right to pass that your vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement. You (providing the road aheadis clear). Never cross a solid can turn the steering wheel up to one-quarter turn until the line on your side of the lane or a double solid line, right front tire contacts the pavement edge. Then turn your even if the road seems emptyof approaching traffk. steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.
L .2 Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to pass Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and while you’re awaiting an opportunity.For one thing, start your left lanechange signal before moving out following too closely reduces your area of vision, of the right lane to pass. Whenyou are far enough especially if you’refollowing a larger vehicle. ahead of the passed vehicle tosee its front in your Also, you won’thave adequate space if the vehicle inside mirror, activate your right lanechange signal ahead suddenly slows or stops. Keep backa and move back into the right lane. (Remember that reasonable distance. your right outside mirror isconvex. The vehicle you When it looks like a chance to pass is coming up, just passed may seem to be farther awayfrom you start to accelerate but stay in the right lane and than it really is.) don’t get tooclose. Time your move so you will be Try not to pass more than one vehicle ata time on increasing speed as the time comes to move into the two-lane roads. Reconsider before passingthe other lane. If the way is clear to pass,you will have a next vehicle. “running start” that morethan makes up for the Don’t overtake a slowly moving vehicle too rapidly. distance you would lose bydropping back. And if Even thoughthe brake lamps are not flashing, it may something happens to cause you to cancel your pass, be slowing down or starting to turn. you need only slow down anddrop back again and wait for another opportunity. If you’re being passed, makeit easy for the following driver to get aheadof you. Perhaps you 0 If other cars are lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait can ease a little to the right. your turn. But takecare that someone isn’t trying to pass you as you pull outto pass the slow vehicle. Remember toglance over your shoulder and check the blind spot.
4-13 Loss of Control vehicle may straighten out. Always be readyfor a second skidif it occurs. Let’s review what driving experts sayabout what happens when the three controlsystems (brakes, steering Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, and acceleration) don’thave enough friction where the gravel or other materialis on the road. For safety, you’ll tires meet the road todo what the driver has asked. want to slow down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery In any emergency, don’t give up. Keep trying to steer and surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and constantly seekan escape route or area of less danger. vehicle control more limited. Skidding While driving on a surface with reduced traction,try your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or In a skid, a drivercan lose control of the vehicle. braking (includingengine braking by shifting to alower Defensive drivers avoid most skidsby taking reasonable gear). Any sudden changes couldcause the tires to slide. care suited to existing conditions, andby not You may not realizethe surface is slippery until your “overdriving” those conditions. But skids are vehicle is skidding. Learn torecognize warning clues -- always possible. such as enough water, ice or packed snow on the road to The three typesof skids correspond to your Geo’s three make a “mirrored surface”-- and slow down whenyou control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels aren’t have any doubt. rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much speedIf you have the anti-lock braking system, remember: It or steering in a curvecauses tires to slip and lose helps avoid only the braking skid.If you do nothave cornering force.And in the acceleration skid, too much anti-lock, then in a braking skid (where the wheels are throttle causes the driving wheels to spin. no longer rolling), release enough pressure on the brakes A comering skid and an acceleration skid are best to get the wheels rolling again. This restores steering handled by easing your footoff the accelerator pedal. control. Pushthe brake pedal down steadily whenyou If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your offfoot the have to stop suddenly.As long as the wheels are rolling, accelerator pedaland quickly steer theway you want the you will have steering control. vehicle to go. If youstart steering quicklyenough, your Driving at Night Here are some tips on night driving. 0 Drive defensively. 0 Don’t drink and drive. 0 Adjust your inside rearview mirrorto reduce the glare from headlamps behind you. Since you can’t see as well, you may needto slow down and keep more space between you and other vehicles. Slow down, especially on higher speed roads.Your headlamps can light up onlyso much road ahead. In remote areas, watchfor animals. If you’re tired, pulloff the road in a safe place and rest.
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving. One reason is that some driversare likely to be impaired -- by alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue.
4-15 Night Vision Keep your windshield and all the glass on your vehicle clean -- inside and out.Glare at night is made much No one can see as well at nightas in the daytime. Butas worse by dirt on the glass. Even the insideof the glass we get older these differences increase.A 50-year-old can buildup a film causedby dust. Dirty glass makes driver may require at leasttwice as much light to see the lights dazzle and flash more than clean glass would, same thing at night as a 20-year-old. making the pupilsof your eyes contract repeatedly. What you do in the daytime can also affect your night Remember that your headlamps lightup far less of a vision. Forexample, if you spendthe day in bright roadway when you are ina turn or curve. Keep your sunshine you are wise to wear sunglasses. Youreyes will eyes moving; thatway, it’s easier to pick out dimly have less trouble adjustingto night. Butif you’re lighted objects. Just as your headlamps shouldbe driving, don’t wear sunglasses at night. Theymay cut checked regularly for proper aim,so should your eyes down on glare fromheadlamps, but they also makea lot be examined regularly. Some drivers suffer from night of things invisible. blindness -- the inability tosee in dim light -- and You can be temporarily blindedby approaching aren’t even awareof it. headlamps. It can take asecond or two, or even several seconds, for your eyes to readjust to the dark. When you are faced with severe glare (as from a driver who doesn’t lower the high beams,or a vehicle with misaimed headlamps), slow down a little.Avoid staring directly into the approaching ladlamps.
4-16 Driving in Rain and onWet Roads your tire-to-road traction isn’t as goodas on dry roads. And, if your tires don’thave much treadleft, you’ll get even less traction. It’s always wise go to slower andbe cautious if rain starts tofall while you are driving.The surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexesare tuned for driving ondry pavement. The heavier the rain,the harder it is to see. Evenif your windshield wiper blades arein 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. It’s wise to keep your windshield wipingequipment in good shape and keep your windshield washer tank filled with washer fluid.Replace your windshield wiper inserts when they show signsof streaking or missing areas on the windshield, or when stripsof rubber start to separate from the inserts.
Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble.On a wet road, you can’t stop, accelerateor turn as well because
4-17 I A CAUTION: .. Wet brakes can cause accidents. They won’t work as well in a quick stop and may cause pulling to one side.You could lose controlof the vehicle. After driving through a large puddle of wateror a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly until your brakes work normally.
Driving toofast through large water puddlesor even going through some car washescan cause problems, too. The water may affect your brakes. Tryto avoid puddles. But if you can’t, try to slow down before you hit them.
4-18 Hydroplaning Driving Through Deep Standing Water Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up under your tiresthat they can actually ride on the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and you’re NOTICE: going fast enough. When your vehicleis hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road. If you drive too quickly through deep puddles or standing water, water can come in through your Hydroplaning doesn’t happen often. But can it if your engine’s air intake and badly damage your tires do not have much treador if the pressure in one or more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is standing on engine. Never drive through water that is slightly the road. If you can see reflectionsfrom trees, telephone lower than the underbodyof your vehicle. If you poles or other vehicles, and raindrops “dimple” the can’t avoid deep puddles or standing water, drive water’s surface, there could be hydroplaning. through them very slowly. Hydroplaning usually happensat higher speeds. There just isn’t a hard andfast rule about hydroplaning.The Some Other Rainy Weather Tips best advice is to slow down when itis raining. Besides slowing down, allow some extra following distance. And be especially careful when you pass another vehicle. Allow yourself more clear room ahead, andbe prepared to have your view restricted by road spray. Have good tires with proper tread depth. (See “Tires” in the Index.)
4-19 lity Driving Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving: Know the best way to get to where you are going. Get a city map and plan your trip intoan unknown part of the cityjust as you would fora cross-country trip. 0 Try to use the freeways that rim and crisscross most large cities. You’ll save time and energy. (See the next part, “Freeway Driving.”)
0 Treat a green light as a warning signal. A traffic light is there because the corner is busy enough to need it. When a light turns green, andjust before you start to move, check both waysfor vehicles that have not cleared the intersection or may be running the red light.
One of the biggest problems with city streetsis the amount of traffic on them. You’ll want to watch outfor what the other drivers aredoing and pay attention to traffic signals.
4-20 Freeway Driving The most important advice on freeway driving is: Keep up with traffic and keep to the right. Drive at the same speed mostof the other drivers are driving. Too-fast or too-slow driving breaks a smooth traffic flow. Treat the left lane on afreeway as a passing lane. At the entrance, there is usually a ramp that leadsthe to freeway. If youhave a clear viewof the freeway as you drive along the entrance ramp, you should begin to check traffic. Try todetermine where you expect to blend with the flow. Try to merge into gap the at close to the prevailing speed.Switch on your turn signal,check your mirrors and glance over your shoulderas often as necessary. Try to blend smoothly with the traffic flow. Once you are on the freeway, adjust your speed to the posted limit orto the prevailing rateif it’s slower.Stay in the right lane unless you want to pass. Before changing lanes,check your mirrors. Then use your turn signal. Mile for mile, freeways (also calledthruways, parkways, expressways, turnpikes or superhighways) are the safest of all roads. But theyhave their own special rules.
4-21 Just before you leave the lane,glance quickly over your Is your vehicle readyfor a long trip?If you keep it shoulder to make sure there isn’t another vehicle in yourserviced and maintained, it’s ready togo. If it needs “blind” spot. service, have itdone before startingout. Of course, Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you you’ll find experienced and able service experts in Geo allow a reasonable following distance. Expect to move dealerships all across North America. They’llbe ready slightly slowerat night. and willing to helpif you need it. When you want to leave the freeway, move to the proper Here are some things you can check beforea trip: lane well in advance. If you miss your exit,do not, 0 Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir full?Are under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive on to all windows clean inside and outside? the next exit. 0 Wiper Blades: Are they in goodshape? The exit ramp canbe curved, sometimes quite sharply. e Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked The exit speed is usually posted. all levels? Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not 0 Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean? to your senseof motion. After drivingfor any distance 0 Tires: They are vitally important toa safe, at higher speeds, youmay tend to thinkyou are going trouble-free trip. Is the treadgood enough for slower thanyou actually are. long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the Before Leaving on a Long Trip recommended pressure? Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested.If you 0 Weather Forecasts:What’s the weather outlook must start whenyou’re not fresh -- such as aftera day’s along your route? Shouldyou delay your tripa short work -- don’t plan to make toomany miles that first part time to avoida major storm system? of the journey.Wear comfortable clothing andshoes you 0 Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps? can easily drive in.
4-22 Highway Hypnosis Hill and Mountain Roads Is there actually such a conditionas “highway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lackof awareness, or whatever. There is something about an easy stretch of road with the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the road, the drone of the engine, andthe rush of the wind against the vehicle thatcan make you sleepy. Don’t letit happen toyou! If it does, your vehiclecan leave the road in less than a second, and you could crashand be injured. What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be aware thatit can happen. Then here are some tips: Make sure your vehicleis well ventilated, with a comfortably cool interior. Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and to Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from the sides. Check your rearview minors and your driving inflat or rolling terrain. instruments frequently. If you get sleepy, pulloff the road into a rest, service or parking area and take a nap, get some exercise, or both. For safety, treatdrowsiness on the highwayas an emergency.
4-23 If you drive regularlyin steep country, or if you’re planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make CAUTION: your trips safer and more enjoyable. ’ A Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid levels Coasting downhill inNEUTRAL (N)G~ with the and also the brakes, tires, cooling system and transaxle. ignition off is dangerous. Yourbrakes will have to These parts can work hard on mountain roads. do allthe work of slowing down. They could get Know how to go down hills.The most important so hot that they wouldn’t work well. You would thing to know is this: let your enginedo some of the then have poor braking or even none going down slowing down. Shift to a lower gear when you go a hill. You could crash. Always have your engine down a steep or long hill. running and your vehicle in gear when you go downhill. CAUTION: A Know how to go uphill. You may want to shift down to a lower gear. The lower gears help cool your engine If you don’t shift down, your brakes could get and transaxle, and you can climb the hill better., so hot that they wouldn’t work well. You would then have poorbraking or even none going Stay in your own lane when driving on two-lane roads in hills or mountains. Don’t swing wide or cut down a hill.You could crash. Shift down to let across the centerof the road. Drive at speeds that let your engine assist yourbrakes on a steep you stay in your own lane. downhill slope. As you go over the topof a hill, be alert. There couldbe something in your lane, like a stalled car oran accident. You may see highway signs on mountains that warn of special problems. Examples are long grades, passing or no-passing zones, a falling rocks areaor winding roads. Be alert to these and take appropriate action. 4 Winter Driving
Include an ice scraper, a small brushor broom, a supply of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer Here are some tipsfor winter driving: clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth and a couple of reflective warning triangles. And, if you will Have your vehicle in good shapefor winter. be driving under severe conditions, include a small bag You may want to put winter emergency supplies in of sand, a pieceof old carpetor a coupleof burlap bags your trunk. to help provide traction.Be sure you properly secure these items in your vehicle.
4-25 Driving on Snow orIce What’s the worst timefor this? “Wet ice.” Very cold snow or ice can be slick and hard to driveon. But wet Most of the time, those places where your tires meet the ice can be even more trouble becauseit may offer the road probably have good traction. least tractionof all. You can get wet ice when it’sabout However, if there is snow orice between your tires and freezing (32OF; 0 O C) and freezing rain begins to fall. the road, you can have a very slippery situation. You’ll Try to avoid driving on wet ice until salt and sand crews have a lot less traction or “grip” and will need to be can get there. very careful. Whatever the condition-- smooth ice, packed, blowing or loose snow-- drive with caution. Accelerate gently. Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface under the tires even more. Unless you have the anti-lock braking system, you’ll want to brake very gently, too. (If you do have anti-lock, see “Anti-Lock” in the Index.This system improves your vehicle’s stability whenyou make a hard stopon a slippery road.) Whether you have the anti-lock braking system or not, you’ll want to begin stopping sooner than you would on dry pavement. Without anti-lock brakes, if you feel your vehicle begin to slide, let on up the brakes a little. Push the brake pedal down steadily to get the most traction you can.
4-26 Remember, unless youhave anti-lock, if you brake so If You’re Caught in a Blizzard hard that your wheels stop rolling, you’lljust slide. Brake so your wheelsalways keep rolling and youcan still steer.
0 Whatever your braking system, allow greater following distance on any slippery road.
0 Watch for slippery spots. The road might be fine until you hit a spot that’scovered with ice. On an otherwise clear road, ice patches may appear in shaded areas wherethe sun can’t reach: around clumps of trees, behind buildings or under bridges. Sometimes the surface of a curve or an overpass may remain icy when the surrounding roads are clear.If you see a patch of ice ahead of you, brake before you are on it. Try not tobrake while you’re actually on the ice, and avoid sudden steering maneuvers.
If you are stopped by heavy snow, you couldbe in a serious situation.You should probably stay with your vehicle unless you knowfor sure that you are near help and you can hike through the snow. Here are some things to do to summonhelp and keep yourself and your passengers safe: Turn on your hazard flashers.
4-27 Tie a red cloth to your vehicle to alert police that you’ve been stoppedby the snow. CAUTION: Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you. I A If you have no blankets or extra clothing, make body Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle. insulators from newspapers, burlap bags, rags, floor This can cause deadlyCO (carbon monoxide) gas mats anything you can wrap around yourself or -- to get inside. CO could overcome youand kill tuck under your clothing keepto warm. you. You can’t seeit or smell it, so you might not know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snowfrom around the base of your vehicle, especially any that is blocking your exhaust pipe. And check around again from time to time to be sure snow doesn’t collect there. Open a window just a little on the side of the vehicle that’s away from the wind. This will help keep CO out.
You can run the engine to keep warm, butbe careful.
4-28 Run your engine only as long as you must.This saves Loading Your Vehicle fuel. When yourun the engine, make it go a little faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly.This uses less fuel for the heat that you get andit keeps the battery charged. You will need a well-charged battery to GEO PRIZM restart the vehicle, and possiblyfor signaling lateron with yourheadlamps. Let the heater runfor a while. VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT Then, shut the engine off and close the windowalmost all the way to preservethe heat. Start theengine again and repeat this only when youfeel really uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the fuel as long as you can. To help keep warm, youcan get RECOMMENDED TIRE SIZE out of the vehicle anddo some fairly vigorous exercises SEE OWNER’S MANUALFOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION every half hour orso until help comes.
Two labels on your vehicle showhow much weightit may properly carry.The Tire-Loading Information label found in the glove compartment tells youthe proper size, speed rating and recommended inflation pressures for the tires on your vehicle.It also gives you important information about the number of people thatcan be in your vehicle and the total weight that you can carry. This weight is called the Vehicle Capacity Weight and includes the weightof all occupants,cargo and all nonfactory-installed options.
4-29 I A CAUTION: MFG. BY NEW UNITED MOTOR MANUFACTURING INC. Do not loadyour vehicle any heavier than the GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear THE DATE OF MANUFACT’ GAWR. If you do,parts on your vehicle can PASS CAR break, or itcan changethe way your vehicle handles. These could cause youto lose control. Also, overloading can shorten the life of BA416932 your vehicle.
The other labelis the Certification label, found onthe NOTICE: rear of the driver’s door opening. It tellsyou the gross weight capacityof your vehicle, called theGVWR Your warranty does not coverparts or (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating).The GVWR includes the components that fail becauseof overloading. weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo. Never exceed the GVWRfor your vehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)for either the If you put things inside your vehicle-- like suitcases, front or rear axle. tools, packagesor anything else -- they will go as fast as the vehicle goes.If you have to stop or turn quickly,or And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread it if there is a crash, they’ll keep going. out. Don’t carry more than 125 lbs.(56.7 kilograms) in your trunk.
4-30 Towing a Trailer
-I A I Things you put inside yourvehiche can strwe and /r\ CAUTION: injure people ina sudden stop or turn, orin a crash. If you don’t usethe correct equipment and drive Put things in thetrunk of your vehicle. In a properly, you can lose control when you pulla trunk, putthem as far forward asyou can. trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the Try tospread the weight evenly. brakes may not work well-- or even at all. You Never stack heavier things, like suitcases, and your passengers couldbe seriously injured. inside the vehicleso that some of them are Pull a trailer only if you have followed all the above the tops of the seats. steps in this section.Ask your Geo dealer for Don’t leave an unsecured child restraint in advice and information about towing a trailer your vehicle. with your vehicle. When you carry something insidethe vehicle, secureit whenever you can. Don’t leave a seat folded down unless you need to.
4-31 That’s the reasonfor this part. Init are many NOTICE: time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of these are importantfor your safety and thatof Pulling a trailer improperly can damage your your passengers.So please read this section carefully vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by before you pull a trailer. your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow Load-pulling components such as the engine, transaxle, the advice in this part, and see your Geo dealer wheel assemblies and tires are forcedto work harder for important information about towing a trailer against the dragof the added weight.The engine is with your vehicle. required to operate at relatively higher speeds and under greater loads, generating extra heat. What’s more, the trailer adds considerablyto wind resistance, increasing Your vehicle can tow a trailerif it is equipped with the the pulling requirements. proper trailer towing equipment.To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer should read the information in “Weightof the Trailer” If you do,’hereare some important points: that appears later in this section. But traileringis different thanjust driving your vehicleby itself. 0 There are many different laws, including speed limit Trailering means changes in handling, durability and restrictions, having todo with trailering. Make sure fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes correct your rig will be legal, not only where youlive but equipment, andit has to be used properly. also where you’llbe driving, A good sourcefor this information can be stateor provincial police.
0 Consider using a sway control.You can ask a hitch dealer about sway controls.
0 Don’t tow a trailer at all during the first1,000 miles (1 600 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or other parts couldbe damaged.
4-32 0 Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that you You can ask your dealerfor our trailering information or tow a trailer, don’t driveover 50 mph (80 kdh) and advice, or you can write us at: don’t make starts at full throttle. This helps your Customer Assistance Department engine and other partsof your vehicle wear in atthe Chevrolet/Geo heavier loads. P.O. Box 7047 0 Obey speed limit restrictions when towinga trailer. Troy, MI 48007-7047 Don’t drive faster than the maximum posted speed In Canada, write to: for trailers (or no more than 55 mph (90 kmh)) to save wear on your vehicle’s parts. General Motors of Canada Limited Customer CommunicationCentre Three important considerations have todo with weight: 1908 Colonel Sam Drive the weight of the trailer, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
0 the weight of the trailer tongue -~- Weight of the Trail ongue and the total weight on your vehicle’s tires. The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important Weight of the Trailer weight to measurebecause it affects the total capacity weight of your vehicle.The capacity weight includes the How heavy can a trailer safely be? curb weight of the vehicle, anycargo you may carry in It should never weigh more than 1,500 lbs. (680 kg). it, and the people who willbe riding in the vehicle. And But even that canbe too heavy. if you will tow a trailer, you must subtractthe tongue load from your vehicle’s capacity weight because your It depends on how you plan to use your rig.For vehicle will be carrying that weight, too.See “Loading example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside Your Vehicle” in theIndex for more informationabout temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pulla your vehicle’s maximum load capacity. trailer are all important.And, it can also depend on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle.
4-33 Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires Be sure your vehicle’s tiresare inflated to the upper limit for cold tires. You’ll find these numberson the Tire-Loading Information label at the rear edge of the driver’s door opening orsee “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index. Then be sure you don’tgo over the GVW limit for your vehicle, including the weightof the trailer tongue. A B Hitches It’s important to havethe correct hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roadsare a few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. Hereare some rules to follow: If you’re using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer 0 The bumpers on your vehicleare not intended for tongue (A) should weigh 10 percent of the total loaded hitches. Do not attach rental hitchesor other trailer weight (B). If you have a weight-distributing bumper-type hitchesto them. Use only a hitch, the trailer tongue(A) should weigh 12 percent of frame-mounted hitch thatdoes not attach to the total loaded trailer weight(B). the bumper. After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and 0 Will you have to make any holes in the bodyof your then the tongue, separately, tosee if the weightsare vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If you do, proper. If they aren’t, you may be able toget them right then be sure to seal the holes later when you remove simply by moving some items around in the trailer. the hitch. If you don’t seal them, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaust canget into your vehicle (see “Carbon Monoxide” in the Index). Dirt and watercan, too. Safety Chains Will the trailer brake parts take 3,000 psi (20 650 Pa) of pressure? If not, the trailer brake You should always attach chains between your vehicle system must not be used with your vehicle. and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under thetongue of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road If everything checks out this far, then make thebrake if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions fluid tap at theupper rear master cylinder port. But about safety chains maybe provided by the hitch don’t use copper tubingfor this. If you do, it will manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the bend and finally break off. Use steel brake tubing. manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching safety chains and do not attach them to the bumper. Always Driving with a Trailer leave just enough slack so you can turn with your rig. Towing a trailer requires a certain amountof experience. And, never allow safety chains todrag on the ground. Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of Trailer Brakes handling and braking with the added weightof the Does your trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to read trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are and follow the instructions for the trailer brakesso driving is now a good deal longer and not nearlyas you’ll be able to install, adjust and maintain them responsive as your vehicleis by itself. properly. If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, don’t try Before you start, check the trailer hitch andplatform to tap into your vehicle’sbrake system. If you do, both (and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector, brake systems won’t work well or atall. lamps, tires and mirror adjustment.If the trailer has Even if your vehicle doesn’thave anti-lock brakes, electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and don’t tap into your vehicle’sbrake system if the trailer’s then apply the trailerbrake controller by hand to be sure brake system will use more than0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc) the brakes are working. This lets you check your of fluid from your vehicle’smaster cylinder. If it does, electrical connection at the same time. both braking systems won’t work well. You could even During your trip,check occasionally to be sure that the lose your brakes. load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailerbrakes are still working. 4-35 Following Distance Making Turns Stay at least twiceas far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking NOTICE: and sudden turns. Making very sharp turns while trailering could Passing cause the trailer to come in contact with the You’ll need more passing distanceup ahead when vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a good deal making very sharp turns while trailering. longer, you’ll need togo much farther beyond the passed vehicle before youcan return to your lane. When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft Backing Up shoulders, curbs, road signs, treesor other objects. Hold the bottom of the steering wheel withone hand. Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well Then, to move the trailer to theleft, just move that hand in advance. to the left. To move the trailerto the right, move your hand to the right. Always back up slowly and,if possible, have someone guide you.
4-36 firn Signals When Towing a Trailer with overdrive, you may prefer to drivein DRIVE (D) rather than OVERDRIVE (or, as you needto, a When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may needa lower gear). Or, if you have a manual transaxle with different turn signalflasher and/or extra wiring. Check FIFTH (5), it’s better not to use FIFTH(5). Just drive with your Geo dealer. The green arrows on your in FOURTH (4) (or, as you needto, a lower gear). instrument panel will flash whenever you signala turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, thetrailer lamps Parking on Hills will also flash, telling other driversyou’re about to turn, change lanes or stop. You really should not park your vehicle, witha trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes wrong, your rig When towing a trailer, the greenarrows on your could start to move.People can be injured, and both instrument panel will flashfor turns even if the bulbs on your vehicle and the trailer can damaged.be the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind you are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s But if you ever have to park your rig ona hill, here’s important to check occasionally tobe sure the trailer how to do it: bulbs are still working. 1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into Driving On Grades PARK (P) yet, or into gearfor a manual transaxle. 2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels. Reduce speed and shift toa lower gear before you start down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift 3. When the wheelchocks are in place, release the down, you might have to use yourbrakes so much that regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load. they would get hot and no longer work well. 4. Reapply your regular brakes. Then apply your On a long uphill grade, shiftdown and reduce your parking brake, and then shift toPARK (P), or speed to 45 mph (70 km/h)to reduce the possibility of REVERSE (R)for a manual transaxle. engine and transaxle overheating. 5. Release the regular brakes. If you are towinga trailer that weighs more than 1,000 lbs. (450 kg), and you have an automatic transaxle
4-37 When You Are Ready to Leave After Maintenance When Trailer Towing Parking on aHill Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re 1. Apply your regular brakes and holdthe pedal down pulling a trailer.See the MaintenanceSchedule for more while you: on this. Things that are especially important in trailer operation are automatic transaxle fluid (don’toverfill), 0 Start your engine; engine oil, belts, cooling system and brake adjustment. 0 Shift into a gear; and Each of these is covered in this manual, and Indexthe will help you find them quickly.If you’re trailering, it’s Release the parking brake. a good ideato review these sections beforeyou start 2. Let up on the brake pedal. your trip. 3. Drive slowly until the traileris clear of the chocks. Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts are tight. 4. Stop and have someonepick up and store the chocks.
4-38 Section 5 Problems on the Road
Here you’ll find what to do about some problems that canoccur on the road.
5-2 Hazard Warning Flashers 5-23 If a Tire Goes Flat 5-3 Jump Starting 5-23 Changing a Flat Tire 5-7 Towing Your Vehicle 5-34 Compact Spare Tire 5-13 Engine Overheating 5-35 If You’re Stuck: InSand, Mud, Ice or Snow
5-1 Hazard Warning Flashers
Press the buttonto make your front and rear turn signal ... lamps flash on andoff. Your hazard warning flashers workno matter what position your keyis in, and even if the key isn’t in. Your hazard warning flashers let you warnothers. They To turn off the flashers, press the button again. also let police know you have a problem.Your front and rear turn signal lamps will flashon and off. When the hazard warning flashersare on, your turn signals won’t work.
5-2 Other WarningDevices If you carry reflective triangles, youcan set one up at NOTICE: the side of the road about300 feet (100 m) behind your vehicle. Ignoring these steps could result in costlydamage to your vehiclethat wouldn’t be covered by Jump Starting your warranty. If your battery has rundown, you may wantto use Trying tostart your Geo by pushing or pulling it another vehicle andsome jumper cables to start your could damage your vehicle, even if you have a Geo. But please follow the steps listed in this partto do manual transaxle. And if you have an automatic it safely. transaxle, it won’t start thatway.
1. Check the other vehicle.It must have a 12-volt battery with a negative ground system. I Bat1ies ca dangerous because: I NOTICE: They contain acid that can burn you. They contain gas that can explode or ignite. If the other system isn’ta 12-volt system witha They contain enough electricity toburn you. negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged. If you don’t follow these steps exactly, someor all of these things can hurt you.
5-3 2. Get the vehicles close enoughso the jumper cables I can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touching CAUTION: each other. If they are, it could cause a ground I A connection you don’t want.You wouldn’t be ableto start your Geo, and the bad grounding could damage An electric fan can start up even when the engine the electrical systems. is notrunning and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood 3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette electric fan. lighter. Turn off all lamps that aren’t needed as well as radios. This will avoidsparks and help save both batteries. In addition,it could save your radio! a CAUTION: NOTICE: Using a matchnear a battery can cause battery If you leave yourradio on, it could be badly gas to explode. People have beenhurt doing this, damaged. The repairs wouldn’t be coveredby and some have been blinded. Use a flashlightif your warranty. you need more light. Be sure the battery hasenough water. You don’t 4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries. Find the need to add waterto the Delco Freedom’ battery positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on each battery. installed in every new GM vehicle. But if a battery has filler caps,be sure the right amountof fluid is there. If it is low, add water to take careof that first. If you don’t, explosive gas could be present. CAUTION: (Continued)
5-4 - I CAUTION: (Continued) I Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you. Don’t get it on you. If you accidentally getit in your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with water and get medical help immediately.
5. Check that thejumper cables don’t have looseor missing insulation. If they do, you couldget a shock. The vehicles could be damaged, too. Before you connect the cables, here are some basic things you should know. Positive(+) will go to positive (+) and negative (-) will go to negative (-) or a metal engine part. Don’t connect positive(+) to 6. Connect the red positive(+) cable to the positive (+) negative (-) or you’ll get a short that woulddamage terminal of the vehicle withthe dead battery. the battery and maybe other parts, too. 7. Don’t let the other end touch metal. Connectit to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. 8. Now connect the black negative (-) cable to the good battery’s negative (-) terminal. Don’t let the other end touch anything until the next step. Fans or other moving engineparts can injure you badly. Keep your hands away from moving parts once the engine isrunning.
5-5 11. Try to start the vehicle with the dead battery.If it won’t start after a few tries, it probably needs service. 12. Remove the cablesin reverse order to prevent electrical shorting. Take care that they don’t touch each otheror any other metal.
9. The other end of the negative (-) cable doesn’t go to the dead battery.It goes to a heavy unpainted metal part on the engineof the vehicle with the dead battery. Attach the cableat least 18 inches(45 cm) away from the dead battery, but not near engine parts that move. The electrical connection justis as good there, butthe chance of sparks getting back to the battery is much less. A. Heavy Metal Engine Part 10. Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run B. Good Battery the enginefor a while. C. Dead Battery
5-6 Towing Your Vehicle Try to have a Chevrolet/Geo dealer or a professional towing service tow your Geo.See “Roadside Assistance” in the Index. If your vehiclehas been changed or modified since it was factory-new by adding aftermarket items likefog lamps, aero skirting, or special tires and wheels, these instructions and illustrations may notbe correct. 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 front or rear with sling-type equipment. I To help avoid injury to you or others: That your vehicle has front-wheel drive. Never let passengersride in a vehicle that is 0 The make, model and yearof your vehicle. being towed. Never tow faster thansafe or posted speeds. 0 Whether you can still move the shift lever. Never tow with damagedparts not If there was an accident, what was damaged. fully secured. When the towing service arrives, let the tow operator 0 Never get under your vehicle after ithas know that this manual contains detailedtowing been lifted by the towtruck. instructions and illustrations.The operator may want to 0 Always secure the vehicle on each side with see them. separate safety chainswhen towing it. 0 Never use J-hooks. Use T-hooks instead.
5-7 When your vehicle is being towed, have the ignition key turned to OFF. The steering wheel shouldbe clamped in a straight-ahead position, with clamping a device designed for towing service.Do not usethe vehicle’s A velAe can fallfrom a car carrierif it isn’t steering column lockfor this. The transaxle shouldbe in adequately secured. Thiscan cause a collision, NEUTRAL (N) and the parking brake released. serious personalinjury andvehicle damage. The Don’t have your vehicle towed withthe front wheels in vehicle should be tightly secured with chainsor contact withthe ground if it has an automatic transaxle. steel cables beforeit is transported. If a vehicle withan automatic transaxle mustbe towed Don’t use substitutes (ropes, leather straps, from the rear with wheel-lift equipment, the front canvas webbing, etc.)that can be cut by sharp wheels must be supportedon a dolly. edges underneath the towed vehicle. Always use If your vehicle has a manual transaxle, don’t haveit T-hooks inserted inthe T-hook slots. Never use towed on the front wheels unless you must.If a vehicle J-hooks. They will damage drivetrain and with a manual transaxle must be towed on the front suspension components. wheels, it is recommended that the front wheels be supported on a dolly.If you have a manual transaxle and dollies won’tbe used, turn the ignition key to theACC position and put the transaxlein NEUTRAL (N).
5-8 Front Towing NOTICE:
Do not tow with sling-typeequipment or fascia damage will occur. Use wheel-lift or carcarrier equipment. Additional ramping may be required for carcarrier equipment. Use safety chainsand wheel straps. Towing a vehicle over rough surfaces could damage a vehicle. Damage can occur from vehicle to ground or vehicle to wheel-lift equipment.To help avoid damage, raisethe vehicle until adequate clearance is obtained between the ground and/or wheel-lift equipment. Do not attach winch cables or J-hooks to suspension componentswhen using carcarrier equipment. Always use T-hooksinserted in the T-hook slots.
5-9 Attach T-hook chainsto the slots in the frame brackets, Attach a separate safety chain aroundthe outboard end just ahead of the front wheels, on both sides. of each lower controlarm.
5-10 Rear Towing
L;I
Attach T-hook chains to slots in the bottom of the floor pan, just ahead of the rear wheels,on both sides. I NOTICE: Do not tow with sling-type equipment or rear bumper valance will be damaged. NOTICE: (Continued)
5-11 NOTICE: (Continued)
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.
Attach a separate safety chainaround the outboard end of each lower control arm.
5-12 Engine Overheating You will find a coolanttemperature gage or the warning light about a hot engine on your Geoinstrument panel. .-Steam from an overheated enginecan burn you If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine badly, even if youjust open the hood. Stay away from the engineif you seeor hear steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away from the vehicle until it cools down. Waituntil there is no signof steam or coolant beforeyou open the hood. If you keep driving when your engine is overheated, the liquids init can catch fire. You or others could be badly burned. Stop your engineif it overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the engine is cool.
I NOTICE: If your engine catchesfire because you keep driving with no coolant, your vehiclecan be badly damaged.The costly repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
5-13 If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine If you no longer have the overheat warning,you can drive. Just tobe safe, drive slowerfor about 10 minutes. If you get the overheat warning but see or hear no If the warning doesn’t come backon, you can steam, the problem may not toobe serious. Sometimes drive normally. the engine can get a little too hot when you: If the warning continues, pull over, stop, andpark your 0 Climb a long hill on a hot day. vehicle right away. Stop after high-speed driving. If there’s still no signof steam, you can idle theengine Idle for long periods in traffic. for two or three minutes while you’re parked, seeto if the warning stops. But then, if you still have the 0 Tow a trailer. warning, turn ofithe engine and get everyone out of If you get the overheat warning with no signof steam, the vehicle until it cools down. try this for a minute orso: You may decide notto lift the hood butto get service 1. If you have an air conditioner, turn it off. help right away. 2. Turn on your heater tofull hot at the highest fan speed and open the windowas necessary. 3. If you’re in a trafficjam, shift to NEUTRAL(N); otherwise, shiftto the highest gear while driving -- OVERDRIVE or DRIVE (D) for automatic transaxles.
5-14 When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what you’ll see: A CAUTION: An electric fanbder the hood can startup even when the engine is not running and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tankis boiling, don’t do anything else until it cools down.
1. Coolant Recovery Tank 2. Radiator Pressure Cap 3. Electric Engine Fan (Your Prizm has another electric engine fan not pictured above. It is locatedby the passenger’s side headlamp.)
5-15 The coolant level shouldbe at above FULL. I or / !\ CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine parts, can be very hot. Don’t touch them.If you do, you can be burned. Don’t run the engine if there is a leak. If you run the engine, it could lose all coolant.That could cause an engine fire,and you could be burned. Get any leak fixed before youdrive the vehicle.
If it isn’t, you may have a leak in the radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump or somewhereelse in the cooling system. I NOTICE: I
Engine damagefrom running your engine I without coolant isn’t coveredby your warranty. If there seems to be no leak, with engine the on, check to see if the electricengine fans are running.If the engine is overheating, both fans shouldbe running. If they aren’t, your vehicle needs service.
5-16 How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank ~ CAUTION: (Continued) If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level With plain water or the wrong mix, your engine isn’t at FULL, add a 50/50 mixture of clean water could get toohot but you wouldn’t getthe (preferably distilled) and aproper coolant at the coolant overheat warning. Your engine couldcatch fire recovery tank. (See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for
.. ~ and you or others could be burned. Use a 50/50 rr Ion about tl ’per cc ‘.ant mix.) mix of clean water and a proper coolant, I
NOTICE: Adding -nly plail- . rater to your cooling system can be dangerous.Plain water, or some other liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper In cold weather,water can freeze and crack the coolant mix will. Your vehicle’scoolant warning engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. system isset for the proper coolant mix. Use the recommended coolantand the proper coolant mix. CAUTION: (Continued)
5-17 I CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine.
When the coolant in the coolant recovery tankis at FULL, start your vehicle. If the overheat warning continues, there'sone more thing you can try. You can add the proper coolantmix directly to the radiator,but be sure the cooling systemis cool before you do it.
5-18 CAUTION: I' A Steam and scalding liquidsfrom a hot cooling system can blow out andburn you badly. They are under pressure, and if you turn the radiator pressure cap -- even a little -- they can come out at high speed. Neverturn the cap when the cooling system, includingthe radiatorpressure
~ cap, is hot. Waitfor the cooling systemand radiator pressure cap to cool if you ever have to turn the pressure cap.
5-19 How to Add Coolant to the Radiator 'I
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push down as you turnit. Remove the pressure cap. 1. You can remove the radiator pressurecap when the cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap and upper radiator hose,is no longer hot. Turnthe pressure cap slowly counterclockwise until it first stops. (Don't press down whileturning the pressure cap.) If you hear a hiss, waitfor that to stop.A hiss means there is still some pressure left.
5-20 3. Fill the radiator with the proper coolant mixture,up 4. Then fill the coolant recovery tank toFULL. to the baseof the filler neck. 5. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but leave the radiator pressure capoff.
5-21 8. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during this procedureif coolant begins to flow out of the filler neck, reinstall the pressure cap.Be sure the 6. Start the engine andlet it run until you can feel the arrows on the pressurecap line up like this. upper radiator hose getting hot. Watchout for the engine fans. 7. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator filler neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add more of the proper coolant mixture through the filler neck until the level reaches the baseof the filler neck.
5-22 If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” whileyou’re driving, If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage especially if you maintain your tires properly.If air goes by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your hazard out of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly. warning flashers. But if you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a few tips about what to expect and what to do: If a front tire fails, the flat tire will createa drag that ’ A CAUTION: pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take yourfoot off the accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly. Changing a tire can cause an injury. The vehicle Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to can slip off the jack and roll overyou or other a stop well out of the traffic lane. people. You and they could be badly injured, A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much likea Find a level place to change your tire. To help skid and may requirethe same correction you’d use ina prevent the vehicle from moving: skid. In any rearblowout, remove your foot from the 1. Set the parking brake firmly. accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under controlby 2. Put an automatic transaxle shift lever in steering the way you want the vehicle to Itgo. may be very bumpy and noisy, but youcan still steer. Gently PARK (P), or shift a manual transaxle to brake to a stop -- well off the roadif possible. FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R). 3. lbrn off the engine, If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use your jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely. To be even more certain the vehicle won’t move, you can put blocks at the front and rearof the tire farthestaway from the one being changed. That would be the tire on the other side of the vehicle, at the opposite end.
5-23 .. I
The equipment you'll needis in the trunk. The following steps will tell you howto use the jack and change a tire.
5-24 Move the carpetfrom the top of the spare tire cover.
To remove the cover over the spare, turn theknob -- counterclockwise until the cover becomes unfastened. c
Pull out the sparetire. See “Compact Spare Tire” 1 later in this sectionfor more information about the compact spare. The jack handle is attached tounderside of the spare tire cover, andthe wheel wrench is inthe black pouch. Remove the wheelwrench, jack and jack handle from the trunk. The jack is under a cover on the right side of the trunk. Remove the cover, then turn thejack screw to remove the jack from the clamps. The tools you’ll be using include thejack (A), jack handle (B) and wheel wrench (C).
5-25 ".. ... 7 -\Ir -- 7 k I
Attach thejack handle to thejack. Turn thejack handle Remove the wheel cover,if your vehicle is equipped to the rightto raise the lift head. with one, by using the flat end of the wheel wrench.Pry along theedge of the wheel cover until it comes off.Be careful; therim edges may be sharp. Don't try to remove it with your bare hands.
5-26 Removing the Flat Tire and Installingthe Spare Tire I
2. Insert the flat end of the wheel wrenchinto the slot to remove the center cap,if your vehicleis equipped with one. Pry the cap off. 1. Using the wheel wrench,loosen all the wheel nuts. Don’t remove them yet.
5-27 I A CAUTION: Getting under a vehicle when it is j,,ked upis dangerous. If the vehicle slipsoff the jack, you could be badly injured or killed. Never get under a vehicle when itis supported only by a jack.
3. Position thejack and raise thejack lift head untilit fits firmly into the notches closestto the flat tire. (Under the vehicle near each wheel, there are notches in the vehicle’s rocker flange.)
5-28 4. Raise the vehicleby rotating the jack handle clockwise. Raise the vehicle far enoughoff the ground so there is enough room for the spare tire tofit. 5. Remove all the wheel nuts and take off the flat tire.
I A CAUTION: Raising your vehicle with the jack improperly positioned can damage the vehicle and even make the vehicle fall.To help avoid personal injury and vehicle damage, be sure to fit the jack lift head into the proper location before raising the vehicle.
5-29 6. Remove any rustor dirt from the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces and spare wheel. wheel, remove any rust or dirtfrom the places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if you need to,to get allthe rust or dirt off.
CAUTION: CAUTION: A -A F br dirt on the wheel, or on thc arts to Never use oil or grease on st1 5 or nuts. If you which it is fastened, can make the wheel nuts do, the nuts might come loose. Your wheel could become loose after a time. The wheel could come fall off, causing a serious accident. off and cause an accident. Whenyou change a - -1 CAUTION: 1(Continued)
5-30 7. Replace the wheel nuts with the roundedend of the nuts toward the wheel. Tighten each nut by hand untilthe wheel is held against the hub.
8. Lower the vehicleby turning thejack handle counterclockwise. Lower the jack completely.
5-31 9. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a criss-cross I NOTICE: sequence as shown. Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel nuts in the proper sequence and to the proper torque specification.
Don’t try to puta wheel cover on your compact spare tire. It won’t fit. Store the wheel coverin the trunk until you have the flat tire repairedor replaced.
NOTICE: Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened wheel nuts can causethe wheel to become loose Wheel covers won’tfit on your compact spare. If and even come off.This could lead toan accident. you try to put a wheel cover on your compact Be sure to use the correct wheel nuts. If you have spare, you could damagethe cover or the spare. to replace them,be sure to get new GM original equipment wheel nuts. Stop somewhere as soon as you can and have the nuts tightened with a torque wrench to 76 lb-ft (103 Nom). Storing a Flat or Spare Tire andTools A CAUTION: Storing ajack, a tire or other equipment in the passenger compartmentof the vehicle could cause injury.In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place.
3
1. Jack 2. Spare or Flat Tire 3. ToolBag 4. Jack Handle Replace the jack, jack handle, wheel wrench and flator spare tire. Make sure the tool bag is stored securely under the tire to help prevent rattles.
5-33 Compact Spare Tire Don’t use your compact spare on other vehicles. Although thecompact spare tire was fully inflated when And don’t mix your compact spare tire or wheel with your vehicle was new,it can lose air after a time. Check other wheelsor tires. They won’t fit. Keep your spare the inflation pressure regularly. It should 60 be psi tire and its wheel together. (420 Pa). After installing the compact spare on your vehicle, you NOTICE: should stop as soon as possible and make sure your spare tire is correctly inflated. The compact spareis made to Tire chains won’t fit your compact spare. Using perform well at speeds upto 65 mph (105 km/h) for them can damage your vehicle and can damage distances up to 3,000 miles (5 000 km), so you can finish your trip and have your full-size tire repaired or replaced the chains too. Don’t use tire chains on your where you want. Of course, it’s best to replace your spare compact spare. with a full-size tire as soon as you can. Your spare will last longer and bein good shapein case you need it again.
NOTICE:
When the compact spare is installed, don’ttake your vehicle through an automatic car wash with guide rails. The compactspare can get caught on the rails, That can damage the tire and wheel, and maybe other parts of your vehicle.
5-34 If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow NOTICE: What you don’t want todo when your vehicle is stuck is Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your to spin your wheelstoo fast. The method known as vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels “rocking” can help you get out when you’re stuck, but too fast while shifting your transaxle back and you must use caution. forth, you can destroy your transaxle.
1 CAUTION: For information about using tire chains on your vehicle, A see “Tire Chains” in the Index. If you let your tires spin at high speed, theycan explode, and you or others could be injured. And, the transaxle or other partsof the vehicle can overheat. That could causean engine compartment fire or other damage. When you’re stuck, spin the wheels as little as possible. Don’t spin the wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h) as shown on the speedometer.
5-35 Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out First, turn your steering wheel left and right.That will A CAUTION: clear the area around your front wheels. Then shift back and forth between REVERSE (R) and a forward gear T-L recovery hooks, when used,are under a lot of (or with a manual transaxle, between FIRST(1) or force. Always pull the vehicle straight out. Never SECOND (2)and REVERSE (R)), spinning the wheels pull onthe hooks at a sideways angle. The hooks as little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal while could break off and you or others could be you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transaxleis in gear. If that doesn’t get you out injured from the chain or cable snapping back. 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 “TowingYour Vehicle” in the Index. Using the Recovery Hooks NOTICE: Your vehicle is equipped with recovery hooks. The Never use the recovery hooksto tow the vehicle. recovery hooks are provided at the frontof your vehicle. Your vehicle could be damagedand it would not They can only be used for pulling your vehicle out. be coveredby warranty.
5-36 Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will findinformation about the care of your Geo. This section begins with service andfuel information, and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels.There is also technical informationabout your vehicle, and a partdevoted to its appearance care.
6-3 Fuel 6-35 Bulb Replacement 6-5 Filling Your Tank 6-35 Halogen Bulbs 6-8 Checking Things Under the Hood 6-4 1 Tires 6- 12 Engine Oil 6-52 Cleaning the Built-In Child Restraint 6-18 Air Cleaner 6-52 Care of Safety Belts and Built-inChild 6-19 Automatic Transaxle Fluid Restraint Harness 6-22 Manual Transaxle Fluid 6-53 Cleaning the Outside of theWindshield and 6-23 Hydraulic Clutch Wiper Blades 6-24 Engine Coolant 6-56 Finish Damage 6-27 Radiator Pressure Cap 6-56 Underbody Maintenance
6-27 Power Steering Fluid ~ 6-58 VehicleIdentification Number (VIN) 6-29 Windshield Washer Fluid 6-58 Service Parts Identification Label 6-30 Brakes 6-5 8 Electrical System 6-34 Battery 6-66 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
6-1 Service Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to do your own service work, see “Servicing Your Air Your Geo dealer knows your vehicle best and wants youBag-Equipped Geo”in the Index. to be happy withit. We hope you’ll go to your dealerfor all your service needs. You’llget genuine GM parts and You should keepa record with all parts receipts and list GM-trained and supported service people. the mileage and the dateof any service work you perform. See “Maintenance Record”in the Index. We hope you’ll want to keep yourGM vehicle all GM. Genuine GM parts haveone of these marks: I -I A CAUTION: You can be injured and your vehicle could be damaged if you try to do service work on a vehicle without knowing enoughabout it. Be sure you have sufficient knowledge, experience, the proper replacement parts and tools before youattempt any vehicle Doing Your Own Service Work maintenance task. If you want todo some of your own service work, you’ll 0 Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts and want to use the proper Geo Service Manual.It tells you other fasteners. “English”and “metric” much more about how to service your Geothan this fasteners can be easily confused.If you use manual can.To order the proper service manual,see the wrong fasteners,parts can later break “Service and Owner Publications”in the Index. i or fall off. You could be hurt.
6-2 Adding Equipment to the Outsideof Be sure the posted octane is at least87. If the octane is Your Vehicle less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If it’s bad enough,it can damage your engine. Things you might addto the outside of your vehicle can affect the airflow around it.This may cause wind noise If you’re using fuel rated 87at octane or higher and you and affect windshield washerperformance. Check with still hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service. your Geo dealer before adding equipment to the outside But don’t worry if youhear a little pinging noise when of your vehicle. you’re accelerating or driving uphill. a That’s normal, and you don’t have to buy a higheroctane fuel to get rid of pinging. It’sthe heavy, constantknock that means Use regular unleaded gasoline rated 87at octane or you have a problem. higher. At a minimum,it should meet specifications If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission ASTM D4814 in the United States and CGSB3.5-M93 Standards (indicated on the underhoodtune-up label), in Canada. Improved gasoline specifications have been it is designed to operate onfuels that meet California developed by the American AutomobileManufacturers specifications. If such fuels are not availablein states Association (AAMA) for better vehicle performance adopting Californiaemissions standards, your vehicle and engine protection. Gasolines meeting the AAMA will operate satisfactorily onfuels meeting federal specification couldprovide improved driveability and specifications, but emission controlsystem performance emission control system protection compared to may be affected.The malfunction indicatorlamp on other gasolines. your instrument panel may turnon and/or your vehicle may fail a smog-check test.If this occurs, return to your authorized Geo dealerfor diagnosis todetermine the cause of failure. In the eventit is determined that the cause of the conditionis the typeof fuels used, repairs may not be covered by your warranty.
6-3 Some gasolines thatare not reformulatedfor low anything tothe fuel. In addition, gasolines containing emissions contain an octane-enhancing additive called oxygenates, such as ethers and ethanol, and methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT); reformulated gasolinesmay be availablein your areato ask your service station operator whether or not his fuel help cleanthe air. General Motors recommends that you contains MMT. General Motors does not recommend the use these gasolinesif they comply with the use of such gasolines.If fuels containing MMT are used, specifications described earlier. spark plug life may be reduced and your emission control system performance maybe affected. The malfunction indicatorlamp on your instrument panel I NOTICE: may turn on. If this occurs, return to your authorized Geo dealer for service. Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that To provide cleaner air,all gasolines in the United States contains methanol. Don’t use it. It can corrode are now required to contain additives that will help metal parts in your fuel system andalso damage prevent depositsfrom forming in your engine and fuel plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn’t system, allowingyour emission control system to be covered under your warranty. function properly. Therefore, you should not have to add Fuels in Foreign Countries Filling Your Tank If you plan on driving in another country outsidethe United States orCanada, the proper fuel may be hard to find. Never useleaded gasoline or any other fuel not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly repairs caused by use of improper fuel wouldn’t becovered by your warranty. To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or contact a major oil company thatdoes business in the country where you’llbe driving. You can also write us at the following address for advice. Just tell us whereyou’re going and give your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). General Motors International Product Center 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario LlH 8P7 F CAUTION: A = Gasoline vaporis highly flammable. It burns violently, and that can cause very bad injuries. Don’t smoke if you’re near gasoline or refueling your vehicle. Keep sparks, flames and smoking materials away from gasoline.
6-5 Remote Fuel Door Release Lever The fuel door release lever is nearthe floor to the left 1of the driver's seat.
, , i j.. .,:
The cap is behind a hingeddoor on the driver's side of LWhile refueling, hang the cap inside the fuel door. your vehicle. To take off the cap, turn it slowly to the left (counterclockwise).
6-6 When you put thecap back on,turn it to the right (clockwise) until you heara clicking sound. Make sure you fully install the cap. If you get gasoline on yaurselfand then something ignitesit, you could be badlyburned. NOTICE: Gasoline can spray out on you if you openthe fuel filler cap too quickly. This spray can happen If you need a new cap, be sure toget theright if your tank is nearly full,and is more likelyin type. Your dealer can get onefor you. If you get hot weather. Openthe fuel fillercap slowly and the wrong type,it may notfit orhave proper wait for any “hiss” noise to stop. Then unscrew venting, and your fuel tank and emissions system the cap all the way. might be damaged.
Be careful not to spill gasoline. Clean gasolinefrom painted surfaces assoon as possible. See “Cleaning the Outside of Your Geo” in the Index.
6-7 Checking Things Under the Hood Hood Release To open the hood, first pull the release handleinside the vehicle. It's on the bottom portion of the instrument panel to the leftof the steering wheel.
Then go to the frontof the vehicle. Release the secondary hood releaseby pushing up on the lever near the middleof the hood.
6-8 /!\ CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up and injure you even when the engineis not running. Keep hands, clothing andtools away from any underhood electric fan.
Lift the hood, releasethe hood prop from its retainer and put the hood propinto the slot in the hood.
6-9 When you open the hood ona 1.6L (Code 6) or a 1.8L (Code 8) engine with anti-lock brakes,you'll see:
Vehicle equipped with anti-lock brakes shown, vehicle not equipped with anti-lock brakes similar.
6-10 A. Windshield WasherReservoir B. Engine Compartment Fuse Blocks A CAUTION: C. Engine Oil Dipstick Things that burncan get on hot engineparts and D. Oil Fill Cap start a fire. These include liquids like gasoline, E. Power Steering Reservoir oil, coolant,brake fluid, windshield washerand E Radiator Pressure Cap other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others could be burned.Be careful notto drop orspill G. Engine Coolant Reservoir things that will burn onto a hot engine. H. Air Cleaner I. Brake Fluid Reservoir Before closing thehood, be sure all thefiller caps are J. Battery on properly.
6-11 Engine Oil The engine oil dipstickis located in therear of the If the engine oil pressure engine compartment on light on the instrument the passenger’s side.The panel comes on, it means dipstick handle is a you need to check your yellow loop. engine oil level right away.
I
Turn off theengine and givethe oil a few minutes to drain back into the oil pan.If you don’t, the oil dipstick For more information,see “Engine Oil Pressure Light” might not show the actual level. in the Index.You should check your engine oil level regularly; this isan added reminder. It’s a good idea tocheck your engine oil every timeyou get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must be warm and the vehicle must beon level ground.
c -.2 Checking Engine Oil When to Add Oil Pull out the dipstick and cleanit with a paper towelor If the oil is at or belowthe “L” mark, then you’ll needto cloth, then pushit back in allthe way. add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the right kind. This part explains what kindof oil to use. For Remove it again, crankcase capacity,see “Capacities and Specifications” keeping the tip down, in the Index. and check the level. NOTICE:
Don’t add too muchoil. If your engine has so much oil that the oil levelgets above the cross-hatched area that shows the proper roperating range, your engine could be damaged.
6-13 The engine oil fill cap is What Kind of Oil to Use .. located nearthe back of the Oils recommendedfor your vehiclecan be identifiedby engine compartment,. .- on the passenger’s side. looking for the “Starburst” symbol.This symbol indicates that the oil has been certifiedby the American Petroleum Institute (API).Do not use any oil which does not carry this Starburstsymbol. If you change your ownoil, be sure you useoil that has the Starburst symbol on the front of the oil container.If you have your oil changed for you, be sure theoil put Just fill it enough to put the level somewhere in the into yourengine is proper operating range. Push the dipstick all waythe American Petroleum back in when you’re through. Institute certifiedfor gasoline engines.
You should also use the proper viscosityoil for your vehicle, as shownin the following chart:
I - 14 As shown in thechart, if you have the 1.8L (Code 8) RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS engine, SAE 5W-30 is bestfor your vehicle. However, FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST you can use SAE 1OW-30 if it’s going to be 0°F SAE VISCOSITY GRADE OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE. (- 18 O C) or above.These numbers onan oil container show its viscosity, or thickness.Do not use other viscosity oils, such as SAE 20W-50. HOT WEATHER- \ “F “C
b 100 t 38
+ 80 t 27
+ 60 t 16
+ 4u t.4
+ 20I -1 0 - 18 I- I ISAEI 1OW-30 SAE SW-30 / I PREFERRED
uL I COLD WEATHER ! DO NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY OTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
6-15 As shown in the chart,if you have the 1.6L (Code6) I RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS engine, SAE 1OW-30 is bestfor your vehicle. However, I FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AWD COW STARTING,SELECT THE LOWEST you can useSAE 5W-30 if it's going to be colder than SAE VISCOSITY GRADE OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE. 60°F (16°C) before your nextoil change. When it's very cold, you should useSAE 5W-30. These numbers LOOK on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness.Do HOT FOR THIS not use other viscosityoils, such as SAE 20W-50. WEATHER SYMBOL NOTICE: +loo- - +30
+Ea- - +27 Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines +bo- - +16 44Starburst9' symbol. Failure to use the +40- -+4 recommended oil can result in engine damage t20---7 not covered by your warranty.
0---18 GM Goodwrench@ oil meetsall the requirementsfor your vehicle. If you are in an area where the temperaturefalls below \ / -20°F (-29"C), consider using either anSAE 5W-30 COLD WEATHER synthetic oil oran SAE OW-30 oil. Both will provide easier cold starting and better protectionfor your engine DO NOT USE SAE 2oW-50 OR ANY OTHER at extremely low temperatures. GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED L Engine Oil Additives If none of them is true, use the longtriphighway maintenance schedule. Change the oil andfilter every Don’t add anything to your oil.Your Geo dealer is ready 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months -- whichever to advise if you think something should be added. occurs first. Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed When to Change Engine Oil engine under highway conditionscauses engine oil to break down slower. If any one of these is truefor you, use the short tripkity maintenance schedule: What to Do with Used Oil 0 Most trips are lessthan 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km). Did you know that usedengine oil contains certain This is particularly important when outside elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could temperatures are below freezing. even cause cancer? Don’t let usedoil stay on your skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails withsoap and 0 Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent water, or a good hand cleaner.Wash or properly throw driving in stop-and-go traffic). away clothing or rags containing usedengine oil. (See 0 Most trips arethrough dusty areas. the manufacturer’s warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.) 0 You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on of top your vehicle. Used oil can be a real threat to theenvironment. If you a The vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi change your own oil, be sure to drain all free-flowing oil or other commercial application. from the filter before disposal. Don’tever dispose of oil by putting it in the trash,pouring it on the ground, into Driving under these conditionscauses engine oil to sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead, break down sooner.If any one of these is true for your recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used Ifoil. vehicle, then you need tochange your oil and filter you have a problem properly disposingof your used oil, every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months -- whichever ask your dealer,a service station or a local recycling occurs first. center for help.
6-17 Air Cleaner To check or replace the filter:
The air cleaner and filter areon the driver’s side of the 1. Release the four clips that hold the cover down. engine compartment. 2. Lift the cover off. 3. Pull out the air filter. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to replace the air filter. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services”in the Index.
6-18 Automatic Transaxle Fluid CAUTIOP’ ’ A When to Check and Change Operating me engine with theair cleaner otr A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid can cause you or others tobe burned. The air level is when theengine oil is changed. cleaner not only cleansthe air, it stops flameif Change fluid in the transaxle and differential every the engine backfires.If it isn’t there, and the 15,000 miles (25 000 km) if the vehicleis mainly driven engine backfires,you could beburned. Don’t under one or more of these conditions: drive with it off, and be careful working on the In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature engine wit: he air cleaner off. regularly reaches90°F (32°C) or higher. In hilly or mountainous terrain. When doing frequent trailer towing. NOTICE: Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service. If you do not use your vehicle under anyof these If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can causea conditions, check the fluid. damaging engine fire. And,dirt can easily get See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index. into your engine, which willdamage it. Always have the air cleaner in placewhen you’re driving.
6-19 How to Check To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal operating temperature, which is180°F to 200°F Because this operation can be a little difficult,you (82°C to 93°C). may choose to have this doneat your Geo dealership Service Department. Get the vehicle warmed upby driving about 15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are above50°F If you do it yourself, be sure to followall the instructions (10°C). If it's colder than50°F ( lO"C), you may here, or you could geta false reading on the dipstick. have to drive longer. NOTICE: Checking the Fluid Level 0 Park your vehicleon a level place. Keep the Too much or too little fluid can damage your engine running. transaxle. Too much can mean that some of the 0 With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts in PARK (P). or exhaust system parts, startinga fire. Be sure to 0 With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift get an accurate reading if you check your lever througheach gear range, pausingfor about transaxle fluid, three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift lever inPARK (P). Wait at least30 minutes before checking the transaxle 0 Let theengine run at idlefor three to five minures. fluid levelif you have been driving: 0 When outside temperatures are above90°F (32"C). 0 At high speed for quite a while. 0 In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather. 0 While pulling a trailer.
6-20 Then, without shuttingoff the engine, follow these steps:
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower level. The fluid level must be between thetwo dimples 1. Release the taband pull out the dipstickand wipe it in thehot range. with a clean rag or paper towel. 4. If the fluid levelis in the acceptable range, push the 2. Push it back in all theway, wait three seconds and dipstick backin all the way. then pull it backout again.
6-21 How to Add Fluid Manual Transaxle Fluid Refer to theMaintenance Schedule to determine what When to Check kind of transaxle fluidto use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index. A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is If the fluid level is low,add only enoughof the proper changed. However, the fluid in your manual transaxle fluid to bring the levelinto the area between the dimples doesn’t require changing. on the dipstick. How to Check 1. Pull out the dipstick. Because this operation can be difficult, you may choose to 2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough fluid at the have this done at your Geo dealership Service Department. dipstick hole to bringit to the proper level. It doesn’t take muchfluid, generally less thanone If you do it yourself, be sure tofollow all the pint (0.5 L). Don’t overjiZZ. instructions here, oryou could get a false reading. NOTICE: NOTICE:
We recommend you use only fluid labeled Too much or too little fluid can damage your DEXRON@-111,because fluid withthat label is transaxle. Too much can mean that some of the made especially for your automatic transmission. fluid could comeout and fall on hot engine parts Damage caused by fluidother than DEXRON-I11 or exhaust system parts, startinga fire. Be sure to is not covered by your new vehicle warranty. get an accurate reading if you checkyour transaxle fluid. 3. After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as described under “Howto Check.’’ 4. When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the dipstick back in all theway. Check the fluid level only when your engineis off, the How to Add Fluid vehicle is parked on a level place and the transaxle is cool enough for you to rest your fingers on the Here’s how to add fluid. Referto the Maintenance transaxle case. Schedule to determine what kind of fluid to use.See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”in the Index. Then, follow these steps: 1. Remove the filler plug. 1. Remove the filler plug. 2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add only enough 2. Check that the lubricant level isup to the bottom of fluid to bring the fluid level upto the bottom of the the filler plug hole. filler plug hole. 3. If the fluid level is good, install the plug andbe sure 3. Install the filler plug.Be sure the plug is fully seated. it is fully seated. If the fluid levelis low, add more fluid as describedin the next steps. Hydraulic Clutch The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicleis self-adjusting. The clutch master cylinder reservoiris filled with hydraulic clutch fluid. It isn’t a good idea to “topoff’ your clutch fluid. Adding fluid won’t correct aleak. A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem, Have the system inspected and repaired.
6-23 When to Check and What to Use How to Check Check to make sure that the fluid levelis at the MIN mark. If the level is below the MIN mark, see the instructions on the reservoir cap. Engine Coolant The following explains your cooling system and how to add coolant when itis low. If you have a problem with engine overheating, see “EngineOverheating” in the Index. A 50/50 mixture of water and the proper coolant will:
0 Give freezing protection down to-34°F (-37°C).
0 Give boiling protection upto 265 OF ( 129 O C). 0 Protect against rust and corrosion.
Refer to the MaintenanceSchedule to determine how 0 Help keep the proper engine temperature. often you shouldcheck the fluid level in your clutch master cylinder reservoir andfor the proper fluid. See 0 Let the warning lights and gages work as they should. “Owner Checks and Services” and “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
- 24 What to Use Use a mixture of one-half clean water (preferably NOTICE: distilled) and one-half coolant that meets GM Specification 1825-M, which won’t damagealuminum If you use an improper coolant mix, your engine parts. You can also use a recycled coolant conforming to could overheat and be badly damaged.The GM Specification 1825-M witha complete coolant flush repair cost wouldn’t be covered byyour and refill. If you use this mixture, youdon’t need to add warranty. Too much water in the mix can freeze anything else. and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four timesa year, have your dealercheck your cooling system. Adding onlyplain water to your cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid like alcohol,can boil before the proper I NOTICE: coolant mix will. Your vehicle’scoolant warning system is set forthe proper coolant mix. With If you use the proper coolant, you don’t haveto plain water or the wrong mix, your engine could add extrainhibitors or additives which claim to get toohot but you wouldn’t getthe overheat improve the system. Thesecan be harmful. warning. Your engine couldcatch fire and you or others could beburned. Use a 50/50 mix of clean water and the proper coolant.
6-25 Checking Coolant '8CAUTEN: 1 lhrning the radiator pressure cap when the engine and radiatorare hot canallow steam and scalding liquids to blow out and burnyou badly. With the coolant recoverytank, you will almost never have toadd coolant at the radiator. Never turn the radiator pressure cap -- even a little -- when the engine and radiator arehot.
When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at LOW, or a little higher. When yourengine is warm, the You can be burn-- if you spill coolanton hot level should beup to FULL, or a little higher. engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol, and it will burn if the engine parts are hot Adding Coolant enough. Don't spill coolanton a hot engine. If you need more coolant, add the proper coolant mixture ut the coolant recovery tank, but be careful not to spill it.
6-26 Radiator Pressure Cap Power Steering Fluid
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a15 psi (105 kPa) pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap line up with the overflow tube on the radiator filler neck.
When you replace your radiator pressurecap, an AC@ cap is recommended. Thermostat Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant reaches a preset temperature. When you replace your thermostat,an AC@thermostat is recommended.
6-27 How To Check Power Steering Fluid Unscrew thecap and wipe the dipstick witha clean rag. Replace thecap and completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and lookat the fluid levelon the dipstick. When the engine compartment is hot, the level should be between the HOT marks. When the engine compartment is cool, the level should be between the COLD marks. What to Use To determine what kindof fluid to use, see “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”in the Index. Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid can cause leaks anddamage hoses and seals.
FNOTICE:
When adding power steering fluid or making a complete fluid change, always usethe proper fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
6-28 Open thecap with the washer symbol on it. Add washer Windshield Washer Fluid fluid until the tank full.is What toUse When you needwindshield washer fluid, be sure to read NOTICE: the manufacturer’s instructions before use.If you will be operating your vehiclein an area wherethe temperature 0 When using concentrated washer fluid, may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient follow the manufacturer’s instructions for protection against freezing. adding water. Adding Washer Fluid 0 Don’t mix water with ready-to-use washer fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze and damage your washer fluidtank and other partsof the washer system.Also, water doesn’t cleanas well as washer fluid. Fill your washer fluidtank only three-quarters full when it’s very cold. This allows for expansion if freezing occurs, which could damage the tank if it is completely full. 0 Don’t use radiator antifreeze in your windshield washer. It can damage your washer systemand paint.
If you do not have anti-lock brakes, your windshield washer fluid tank looks like this. 6-29 Brakes Brake Fluid
If you have anti-lock brakes, your windshield washer fluid tank looks like this. Open thecap with the washer Your brake master cylinder reservoiris here. It is filled symbol on it. Add washer fluid until the floatin the tank with DOT-3 brak hid. shows thatit is full. There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid level goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out of the brake system.If it is, you should have your brake system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later your brakes won’t work well, or won’t work at all.
6-30 So, it isn’t a good ideato “top off’ your brake fluid. What to Add Adding brake fluid won’t correct leak. a If you add fluid When you do need brake fluid, use onlyDOT-3 brake when your liningsare worn, then you’llhave too much fluid -- such as Delco Supreme 1l@ (GM Part fluid when you get new brake linings.You should add No. 12377967). Use new brake fluidfrom a sealed (or remove) brake fluid,as necessary, only when work is container only. done on the brake hydraulic system. Always cleanthe brake fluid reservoircap and the area around the cap before removing it.This will help keep I A CAUTION: dirt fror -ntering the reservoir. If you have too much1 rke fluid, it can spill on the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine A CAUTION: is hot enough. You or others could beburned, and your vehicle could be damaged. Addbrake With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake fluid only when work isdone on the brake system, your brakes may not work well,or they hydraulic system. may not even work at all. This could causea crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
When your brake fluidfalls to a low level, your brake warning light willcome on. See “Brake System Warning Light” in the Index.
6-31 Brake Wear NOTICE: Your Geo has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
0 Using the wrong fluidcan badly damage Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a brake system parts. For example, just a few high-pitched warning sound when the brake padsare worn drops of mineral-based oil, suchas engine and new pads are needed. The sound may come and go or be heard all the .timeyour vehicle is moving (except when oil, in your brake system candamage brake you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly). system parts so badly that they’ll have to be replaced. Don’t let someoneput in the wrong kindof fluid. CAUTION: 0 A If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle’s I painted surfaces, the paint finish can be The brake wear warn 3 sound means that soon damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid your brakes won’t work well.That could leadto on your vehicle. If you do, washit off an accident. When youhear the brake wear immediately. See“Appearance Care” in warning sound, haveyour vehicle serviced. the Index.
1 NOTICE: Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads rcould result in costly brake repair. 1
6-32 Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake Brake Pedal Travel squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly applied. This does not mean something is wrong with See your dealer if the brake pedaldoes not return to your brakes. normal height, orif there is a rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be a signof brake trouble. Properly torqued wheel nutsare necessary to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect Brake Adjustment brake pads for wear and evenly torque wheel nuts in the Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc proper sequence to GM specifications. brakes adjust for wear. If you rarely make amoderate or Your rear drum brakes don’t have wear indicators, but if heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly. you ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, have the rear If you drive in thatway, then -- very carefully -- make brake linings inspected. Also, the rear brake drums should a few moderate brake stops about every 1,000 miles be removed and inspected each time the tires are removed (1 600 km), so your brakes will adjust properly. for rotation or changing. When you have the front brakes replaced, have the rear brakes inspected, too. Brake linings should always be replaced as complete axle sets. See “Brake System Inspection” in Section7 of this manual under Part C “Periodic Maintenance Inspections.”
6-33 Replacing Brake System Parts Vehicle Storage The braking system on a modern vehicle complex.is If you’re not going to drive your vehiclefor 25 days Its many parts have tobe of top quality and work well or more, takeoff the black, negative(-) cable from together if the vehicle is to have really good braking. the battery. This will help keep your battery from Your vehicle was designed and tested with top-quality running down. GM brake parts. When you replaceparts of your braking system -- for example, when your brake linings wear down and you have to have new ones put in-- be sure CAUTION: you get new approved GM replacement parts.If you A don’t, your brakesmay no longer work properly. For example, if someone puts Catteries have acid that can burn you and gas in brake linings that are wrongfor your vehicle, the that can explode.You can be badly hurt if you balance between yourfront and rear brakes can aren’t careful. See “Jump Starting” in the Index change -- for the worse. The braking performance for tips on working around a battery without you’ve come to expect canchange in many other ways if getting hurt. someone puts in the wrong replacement brake parts. Battery Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle for longer storage periods. Every new Geo has a DelcoFreedom@ battery. You never have to add water oneto of these. When it’s time Also, for your audio system, see “Theft-Deterrent for a new battery, we recommend a Delco Freedom Feature” in the Index. battery. Get one that has thereplacement number shown on the original battery’s label.
6-34 Bulb Replacement Headlamps See “Replacement Bulbs” in the Indexto check the size and type of bulb you needto use. Halogen Bulbs A CAUTION: Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb.You or others couldbe injured. Be sureto read and follow the instructions on the bulb package.
1. Open the hood. 2. If you’re replacing a driver’s side headlamp bulb, you need to remove the air duct behind the headlamp assembly. Pry up on the center of the plastic clip and pull it out.
0 Pull out the outer part of the plastic clip.
0 Remove the air duct.
6-35 4. Turn the lockring assembly counterclockwise. (It doesn’tcome off.) 5. Pull the bulb socket outof the housing. 6. Pull the connector apart to remove the bulb assembly. 7. Reverse the steps witha new bulb assembly. Remember to replace the air ductif you replaced the driver’s side bulb.
0 Slide the outer partof the plastic clip into the hole. Then push in the centerof the clip.
3. Reach behind the headlamp assembly and find the lock ring assembly.
6-36 Front Sidemarker Lamps Front Turn Signal Lamps
1. Remove the screw nearthe top outsideof the 1. Remove the screwin the parking lamp lens and headlamp assembly. remove the parking lamp assembly. 2. Remove the sidemarker assembly. There is a snap-in 2. Remove the screw from the turn signal assembly. connector in the assembly, so you may have to pry 3. Pull on the rear edge of the assembly and slide the carefully on the inside edgeof the assembly to remove it. assembly toward the rearto remove it. 3. Turn the bulb socket clockwise and then pull the bulb straight out. 4. Reverse the steps with a new bulb.
6-37 Parking Lamps
4. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and pull it out. 5. Push the bulbin, turn it counterclockwise and pull 1. Remove the screw near the top outside partof the headlamp assembly. 6. T verse the steps with a new bulb. 2. Remove the parking lamp assembly. Thereis a snap-in connector at the frontof the assembly, so you may have to pry carefully on the inside edgeof the assembly to removeit. Rear Combination Lamps
3. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and pull the bulb straight out. The combination lamp assembly includes the 4. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. taillamp/stoplamp, turn signal and sidemarker bulbs. 1. Open the trunk. 2. Remove the two bolts from the lens assembly. 3. Remove the trunk trim. Move the carpet.
0 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. 6-39 I
4. Remove the nut from the stud near the rear cornerof 5. Remove the rear combinationlamp assembly. There the trunk. is a snap-in connector in the assembly, so you may have to pull carefullyon the insideedge of the assembly to remove it. 6. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and pull it out. 7. For the taiVstopor turn signal lamps, pushthe bulb in, turn it counterclockwise and pull itout. For the sidemarker bulb, pullit straight out. 8. Reverse the steps with a new bulb.
6-40 Back-up Lamps Tires Your new Geo comes with high-quality tires made by a leading tire manufacturer.If you everhave questions about your tire warranty and whereto obtain service, see your Geo Warranty bookletfor details.
A CAUTION:
I ,xly maintained and improperly used tires are dangerous. Overloading your tires can cause overheating as a resultof too much friction. You could havean air-out anda serious 1. Open the trunk. accident. See “LoadingYour Vehicle” in the Index. 2. Remove the trim on the trunk lid (if your vehicleis so equipped). CAUTION: (Continued) 3. Remove the screwfrom the back-up lamp. 4. Pull the bulb housing assembly through the opening in the trunk lid. 5. Push the bulb in, turn it counterclockwise and pull it out. 6. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. 6-41 I x- -:(Continued) NOTICE: 0 Underinflated tires pose the same danger as Don’t let anyone tell youthat underinflation or overloaded tires. Theresulting accident overinflation is all right. It’s not,If your tires could cause seriousinjury. Check all tires don’t have enoughair (underinflation), you can frequently to maintain the recommended get the following: pressure. Tire pressure should be checked when your tires are cold. 0 Too much flexing 0 Overinflated tires are more likely to be 0 Too much heat cut,.punctured or broken by a sudden 0 Tire overloading impact -- such as when you hit a pothole. 0 Bad wear Keep tires at the recommended pressure, 0 Bad handling 0 0 Worn, oldtires can cause accidents. If your Bad fuel economy. tread is badly worn,or if your tires have If your tires have too muchair (overinflation), been damaged, replace them. you can get the following: 0 Unusualwear Bad handling Inflation -- Tire Pressure 0 Rough ride The Tire-Loading Information label, which is in 0 Needless damage from road hazards. your glove compartment, shows the correct inflation pressures for your tires when they’re cold.“Cold” means your vehicle hasbeen sitting for at least three hours or driven no more than1 mile ( 1.6 km).
42 When to Check Maintenance Services” in theIndex for scheduled Check your tires once a month or more. rotation intervals. Don’t forgetyour compact spare tire. It should be at 60 psi (420 kPa). How to Check Use a good qualitypocket-type gage to check tire pressure. You can’t tell if your tires are properly inflated simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look properly inflated even when they’re underinflated. Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems. They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture.
Tire Inspection and Rotation When rotating your tires,always use the correct rotation Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles pattern shown here. (10 000 to 13 000km). Don’t include the compact spare tire inyour tire rotation. Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your tiresas After the tires have been rotated, adjustthe front and soon as possible andcheck wheel alignment. Alsocheck rear inflation pressures as shown on theTire-Loading for damaged tires or wheels.See “When It’s Timefor Information label. Make certain that all wheel nuts are New Tires” and “WheelReplacement” later in this properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” in section for more information. the Index. The purpose of regular rotation is toachieve more uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle.The first rotation is the most important.See “Scheduled
6-43 When It’s Timefor New Tires I A 1 /!\ CAUTION: I One way to tell when it’s time for new tires is to Rust or dirton a wheel,or on the parts towhich check the treadwear indicators, which will it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose appear when your tires have after a time. The wheel could comeoff and cause only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) or an accident. When youchange a wheel, remove less of tread remaining. any rust or dirtfrom places wherethe wheel attaches to the vehicle. In anemergency, you can use a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be sure to use ascraper or wire brush later, if you need to, to get all the rust or dirtoff. (See “Changing a Flat Tire” inthe Index.) You need a new tireif any of the following statements are true: 0 You can see the indicators at three or more places around the tire. 0 You can see cord or fabric showing through the tire’s rubber. 0 The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged deep enough to show cordor fabric. 0 The tire has a bump, bulge or split. 0 The tire hasa puncture, cut or other damage that can’t be repaired well becauseof the sizeor location of the damage. 44 Buying New Tires Uniform Tire Quality Grading To find out what kind andsize of tires you need, look at The following information relates to the system the Tire-Loading Information label. developed by the United States National Highway Make sure the replacements are the same size, load Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tiresby range, speed rating and construction type(bias, treadwear, traction andtemperature performance. (This bias-belted or radial) as your original tires. applies only to vehicles sold in the UnitedStates.) The grades are molded on the sidewallsof most passenger car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading system I does not apply todeep tread, winter-type snow tires, space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with I nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), ivllxing tires could causeyou to lose control while or to some limited-production tires. driving. Ifyou mix tires of different sizes or types While the tires available on General Motors passenger (radial and bias-belted tires), the vehicle may not cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these handle properly, and you could havea crash. grades, they must also conform to Federal safety Using tires of different sizes may also cause requirements and additional General Motors Tire damage to your vehicle. Be sure touse the same Performance Criteria (TPC) standards. size and type tires on all wheels. It’s all right to drive with your compact spare, though. It was developed for use on your vehicle.
6-45 Treadwear Temperature -- A, B, C: The treadwear gradeis a comparative rating based on The temperature grades areA (the highest),B, and C, the wear rateof the tire when tested under controlled representing the tire’s resistance to the generationof conditions on a specified government test course. For heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under example, a tire graded150 would wear one and a half controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory (1 1/2) times as well on the government courseas a tire test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the graded 100. The relative performanceof tires depends material of the tire todegenerate and reduce tire life, and upon the actual conditionsof their use, however, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. may depart significantlyfrom the norm due to variations The grade C corresponds to a level of performance in driving habits, service practices and differencesin which all passenger car tires must meet underthe road characteristics and climate. Federal Motor Vehicle SafetyStandard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levelsof performance onthe Traction -- A, B, C laboratory test wheel than the minimum requiredby law. The traction grades,from highest to lowest, areA, B, Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is and C, and they represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet established for a tire that is properly inflated and not pavement as measured under controlled conditionson overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or specified government test surfacesof asphalt and excessive loading, either separately or combination,in concrete. A tire marked C may have poor can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure. traction performance. Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering (turning) traction.
6-46 Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance The wheels on your vehiclewere aligned and balanced carefully at the factory to give you the longest life tire and best overallperformance. Using the wrong replacementwheels, wheel bolts Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel balancing are not or wheel nuts on your vehiclecan be dangerous. needed. However, if you notice unusual tire wear or your It could affect thebraking and handling of your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the alignment may needvehicle, make yourtires lose air andmake you to be reset.If you notice your vehicle vibrating when driving lose control.You could havea collision in which on a smooth road, your wheels may need to be rebalanced. you or others could be injured. Always use the Wheel Replacement correct wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for replacement. Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked,or badly rusted or corroded.If wheel nutskeep coming loose, the wheel, wheel boltsand wheel nuts should be replaced.If the wheel leaks air, replace it (except some aluminum wheels, which can sometimes be repaired). See your NOTICE: Geo dealer if anyof these conditionsexist. The wrong wheel can also cause problems with Your dealer will know the kindof wheel you need. bearing life, brake cooling, speedometeror Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper capacity, diameter, width, offset andbe mounted the height, vehicleground clearance and tireor tire same way as the one it replaces. chain clearanceto the body and chassis. If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel boltsor wheel nuts, replace them only with new GM original See “Changing a Flat Tire”in the Index for equipment parts.This way, you will be sure to have the rightmore information. wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nutsfor your Geo model. 6-47 Ir Used Replacement Wheels I’ire Chains I L I A CAUTION: NOTICE: I I Putting a used wheel onyour vehicle is Use tire chains only where legaland only when dangerous. You can’t knowhow it’s been usedor you must. Use onlySAE Class “S” type chains how far it’s been driven. It could fail suddenly that arethe proper size for your tires. Install and cause an accident. Ifyou have to replacea them on thefront tires and tighten themas wheel, use a new GM original equipmentwheel. tightly as possible with the ends securely fastened. Drive slowlyand follow the chain manufacturer’s instructions.If you can hear the chains contacting your vehicle, stopand retighten them. If the contact continues,slow down until it stops. Driving toofast or spinning the wheels with chains on will damage your vehicle.
6-48 Appearance Care Don’t use anyof these unless thismanual says you can. In many uses, these will damage’ your vehicle: Remember, cleaningproducts can be hazardous. Some are toxic. Others can burst into flame if you strike a Alcohol match or get them on a hot partof the vehicle. Some are 0 Laundry Soap dangerous if you breathe theirfumes in a closed space. 0 Bleach When you use anything from a container to clean your Geo, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s warnings and ReducingAgents instructions. And always open your doors or windows when you’re cleaning the inside. Cleaning the Insideof Your Geo Use a vacuum cleaner often to get ridof dust andloose Never use these to clean your vehicle: dirt. Wipe vinyl or leather with a clean,damp cloth. 0 Gasoline Your Geo dealer has two cleaners, a solvent-type spot 0 Benzene lifter and a foam-type powdered cleaner. They will clean normal spots and stains very well.Do not use them on 0 Naphtha vinyl or leather. 0 Carbon Tetrachloride Here are some cleaning tips: 0 Acetone 1. Always read the instructionson the cleanerlabel. 0 Paint Thinner 2. Clean up stains as soon as you can -- before they set. 0 Turpentine 3. Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a clean area 0 Lacquer Thinner often. A soft brush may be usedif stains are stubborn. 4. Use solvent-type cleanersin a well-ventilated area 0 Nail PolishRemover only. If you use them, don’t saturate the stained area. They can all be hazardous -- some more than 5. If a ringforms after spot cleaning, cleanthe entire others -- and they can all damage your vehicle, too. area immediately or it will set. 6-49 Using Foam-vpe Cleaner on Fabric If you need to use a solvent: 1. Vacuum and brush the area to remove any loosedirt. 1. Gently scrape excess soil from the trim material with a clean, dull knifeor scraper. 2. Always clean a whole trim panelor section. Mask surrounding trim along stitchor welt lines. 2. Use very little cleaner, light pressure and clean cloths (preferably cheesecloth). Cleaning should start at the 3. Mix Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner following the outside of the stain, “feathering” toward the center. directions on the container label. 3. Keep changing to a clean sectionof the cloth. 4. Use suds only and apply with a clean sponge. Don’t saturate the material and don’t rubit roughly. 4. When you clean a stain from fabric, immediately dry the area with a blow dryerto help prevent a 5. As soon as you’ve cleaned the section, use a sponge cleaning ring. to remove the suds. 6. Rinse the section with a clean, wet sponge. Fabric Protection 7. Wipe off what’s left with a slightly damp paper towel Your Geo has upholstery that has been treated with or cloth. Scotchgard” Fabric Protector, a 3M product.It protects fabrics by repelling oil and water, whichare the carriers 8. Dry it immediately with a blow dryer. of most stains. Even with this protection,you still need 9. Wipe with a clean cloth. to clean your upholstery often to keep it looking new. Further information on cleaning is available by calling Using Solvent-Type Cleaner on Fabric 1-800-433-3296 (in Minnesota, 1-800-642-6167). First, see if you have to use solvent-type cleaner at all. Some spots and stains will cleanoff better withjust water and mild soap.
f 50 Special Cleaning Problems 3. If an odor lingers after cleaning vomit or urine, treat the area with waterhakinga soda solution: Greasy or Oily Stains 1 teaspoon(5 ml) of baking soda to 1 cup (250 ml) Stains caused by grease, oil, butter, margarine,shoe of lukewarm water. polish, coffee withcream, chewing gum, cosmetic 4. If needed, clean lightly with solvent-type cleaner. creams, vegetable oils, wax crayon, tar and asphaltcan be removed as follows: Combination Stains 1. Carefully scrape off excess stain. Stains caused by candy, icecream, mayonnaise, chili sauce and unknown stains can be removedas follows: 2. Follow the solvent-type instructions described earlier. 1. Carefully scrape off excess stain. Shoe polish, wax crayon, tar and asphalt will stain if left on a vehicle’s seat fabric. They should be removedas 2. Clean with cool water and allow to dry. soon as possible. Be careful,because the cleaner will 3. If a stain remains, cleanit with solvent-type cleaner. dissolve them and may cause them to spread. Cleaning Vinyl Non-Greasy Stains Use warm water and a clean cloth. Stains caused by catsup, coffee (black),egg, fruit, fruit juice, milk, soft drinks, wine, vomit, urine and bloodcan Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt. You be removed as follows: may have to do it more than once. 1. Carefully scrape off excess stain, then sponge the Things like tar, asphalt and shoe polish will stain if you soiled area with cool water. don’t get them off quickly. Use a clean cloth and a vinyueather cleaner. See your dealerfor this product. 2. If a stain remains, follow the foam-type instructions described earlier.
6-51 Cleaning Leather Cleaning the Built-In Child Restraint Use a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a mildsoap or Your built-in child restraint may be cleaned with mild saddle soap and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Then, let the soap and lukewarm water. Don’t use household cleaners. leather dry naturally. Do not use heatto dry. They may weaken the harnessor damage plastic parts. For stubborn stains, usea leather cleaner. See your The built-in child restraint padis attached to the child dealer for this product. restraint cushion and seatback with fastener strips.You Never use oils, varnishes, solvent-based or abrasive can remove the pad, machine wash it in cold water on a cleaners, furniture polish or shoe polish on leather. gentle cycle and tumble dryit on a low heat setting. Never bleach or ironthe pad, and don’t dry cleanit. Soiled or stained leather should be cleaned immediately. If dirt is allowed to work into the Care of Safety Belts and Built-in finish, it can harm the leather. Child Restraint Harness Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel Keep the safety belts and the built-in child restraint Use only mild soap and water to clean the top surfaces harness clean and dry. of the instrument panel. Sprays containing siliconesor waxes may cause annoying reflections in the windshield and even make it difficult seeto through the windshield under certain conditions. Do not bleach or dye safety belts or the built-in child restraint harness. If youdo, they may be severely weakened. In a crash, they might not be able to provide adequate protection. Clean the safety belts and the child restraint harness only with mild soap and lukewarm water.
6-52 Cleaning Glass Surfaces Clean the outsideof the windshield with GM Windshield Cleaner, Bon Ami’ Powder (non-scratching glass Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner (GM cleaning powder),GM Part No. 1050011. The windshield Part No. 1050427) or a liquid household glass cleaner is clean if beadsdo not form when you rinse it will remove normal tobacco smoke and dust films on with water. interior glass. Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper blades Don’t use abrasive cleaners on glass,because they may and affect theirperformance. Clean the blade by wiping cause scratches. Avoid placing decals onthe inside rear vigorously with a clothsoaked in full-strength window, since they may haveto be scraped off later. If windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade abrasive cleaners are used on the insideof the rear with water. window, an electricdefogger element may be damaged. Any temporary license should not be attached across the Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary; defogger grid. replace blades thatlook worn. Cleaning the Outside of the Weatherstrips Windshield and Wiper Blades Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every washer, or if the wiperblade chatters when running, six months. During very cold, damp weather wax, sap or other material may onbe the blade more frequent application maybe required. (See or windshield. “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.)
6-53 Cleaning the Outside of Your Geo Finish Care The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth Occasional waxing or mild polishingof your Geoby of color, gloss retention and durability. hand may be necessary to remove residue from the paint finish. You can get GM-approved cleaning products Washing Your Vehicle from your dealer. (See “AppearanceCare and Materials” The best way to preserve your vehicle’sfish is to keep it in the Index.) clean by washing it often with lukewarmor cold water. Your Geo has a“basecoatklearcoat” paint finish.The Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct raysof the sun. clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored Don’t use strongsoaps or chemical detergents. Use basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are liquid hand, dish or car washing (mild detergent) soaps. non-abrasive and madefor a basecoatlclearcoat Don’t use cleaning agents that are petroleum based, or paint finish. that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning agents should be flushed promptly and not allowed to dry on the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish with a NOTICE: soft, cleanchamois or an all-cotton towel to avoid surface scratches and water spotting. Machine compoundingor aggressive polishingon a basecoatklearcoat paint finishmay dull the High pressure car washes maycause water to enter finish or leave swirl marks. your vehicle. Cleaning Exterior LampsLenses Use lukewarm or cold water,a soft cloth and a liquid hand, dish or vehicle washing (mild detergent)soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses. Follow instructions under “WashingYour Vehicle.’’
6-54 Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other Cleaning Tires salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, treesap, bird droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can To clean your tires, use a stiff brush with a tire cleaner. damage your vehicle’s finishif they remain on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible.If necessary, usenon-abrasive cleaners that are marked NOTICE: safe for painted surfaces toremove foreign matter. Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather When applying a tire dressing always take careto and chemical fallout that can take their tollover a wipe off any overspray or splash from all painted period of years. You can help to keep the paint finish surfaces on the body or wheels of the vehicle. looking new by keeping your Geo garaged or covered Petroleum-based products may damage the whenever possible. paint finish. Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped) Sheet Metal Damage Keep your wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with If your vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After repair or replacement, make sure the body repairshop rinsing thoroughly, dry with softa clean towel. applies anti-corrosion material tothe parts repaired or A wax may then be applied. replaced to restore corrosion protection. The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted surface of your vehicle. Don’t use strong soaps, chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleanersor abrasive cleaning brushes on them because you could damage the surface. Don’t take your vehiclethrough an automatic car wash that has silicon carbide tire cleaning brushes.These brushes can also damage the surface of these wheels. Finish Damage Chemical Paint Spotting Any stone chips, fracturesor deep scratchesin the finish Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants canfall upon and quickly and may develop into a major repair expense. attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. This damage Minor chips and scratchescan be repaired with touch-up can take two forms: blotchy, ringlet-shaped materials available from your dealeror other service discolorations, and small irregulardark spots etched outlets. Larger areasof finish damage can be corrected into the paint surface. in your dealer’s body and paint shop. Although no defect in the paintjob causes this, Geo will repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfacesof new Underbody Maintenance vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within Chemicals usedfor ice and snow removal and dust 12 months or 12,000 miles(20 000 km) of purchase, control can collect on the underbody.If these are not whichever occurs first. removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occuron the underbody parts such asfuel lines, frame, floor pan and exhaust system even though they have corrosion protection. At least every spring, flush these materialsfrom the underbody with plain water. Clean any areas wheremud and other debris can collect. Dirt packedin closed areas of the frame should be loosened before being flushed. Your dealer or an underbodycar washing system cando this for you.
6-56 Appc mceCare Materials Ch;
IGTNUMBER I SIZE I Du,CR1rTION I USAGE I
I 994954 I 23 in. x 25 in. I Polishing Cloth - Wax Treated I PolishExterior ~~ ~ -1 1050004 2.75 sq. ft. Chamois Shines vehicle without scratching 1050 172 16 02. (0.473 L) Tar and Road Oil Remover Also removes old waxes and polishes
I 1050173 I 16 02. (0.473 L) I ChromeCleaner and Polish I corrosionand Removesrust I 1050174 16 02. (0.473 L) Removes soil and black marks White Sidewall Tire Cleaner 1050200 1 gal. (3.785 L) Magic Mirror Cleaner Polish Exterior cleaner and polish 1050214 32 oz. (0.946 L) Vinyl Cleaner Spot and stain removal 1050427 23 02. (0.680L) Glass Cleaner Cleans grease, grime and smoke film 1052870 16 02. (0.473 L) Wash and Wax Concentrate Exterior wash
1052918** 8 oz. (0.237 L) TM Protector Protects vinyl, leather and rubber Armor All 1052925 16 oz. (0.473 L) Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner Cleans vinyl, cloth, tires and mats 1052929 16 02. (0.473 L) Wheel Cleaner Spray on wheel cleaner 1052930 8 oz. (0.237 L) Capture Dry Spot Remover Attracts and absorbs soils 12345002”” 16 02. (0.473 L) Armor All Cleaner Cleans vinyl, leather and rubber 12345725 12 oz. (0.354 L) Shines tires Silicone Tire Shine I 12377964 I 16 oz. (0.473 L) I Cleaning Wax I Protectsfinishremovesand fine scratches I 12377966 I 16 02. (0.473 L) I FinishEnhancer I Spotcleans paint andgives high luster See your General Motors Parts Department for these products. **Not recommended for use on instrument panel vinyl. See “Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index. the in Lubricants” and “Fluids I See I
6-57 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) the model designation, paint information and
0 a list of all production options and special equipment. Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle. Electrical System PLANT Add-on Electrical Equipment This is the legal identifierfor your Geo. It appears ona plate in the front cornerof the instrument panel,on the driver’s side.You can see it if you look through the NOTICE: windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts Don’t add anything electrical to your Geo unless labels and the certificatesof title and registration. you check with your dealer first. Some electrical equipment can damage your vehicle and the Engine Identification damage wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. The 8th characterin your VIN is the engine code. This Some add-on electrical equipment can keep other code will helpyou identify your engine, specifications components from working as they should. and replacement parts. Service Parts Identification Label Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to add anything electrical to yourGeo, see “ServicingYour You’ll find this label on your spare tire cover. It’s very Air Bag-EquippedG~o” in the Index. helpful if you ever need to order parts. On this label is:
0 yourVIN, Headlamps Fuses and Circuit Breakers The headlamp wiring is protectedby a circuit breaker. The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protectedfrom An electrical overload will cause the lamps togo on and short circuitsby fuses, circuit breakers and fusible off, or insome cases to remain off. If this happens, have thermal links in the wiringitself. This greatly reduces your headlamp wiring checked right away. the chance of fires caused by electrical problems. Windshield Wipers Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse.If the band is broken or melted, replace the fuse.Be sure you The windshield wiper motor is protectedby a circuit replace a bad fuse with a new one of the correct size. breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheatsdue to heavy snow, etc., the wiper will stop until the motor cools.If If you ever have a problem on the roadand don’t have the overload is caused by some electrical problem, and a spare fuse, you can “borrow” one. Just pick not snow, etc., be sure to getit fixed. some featureof your vehicle that you can get along without -- like the radio or air conditioner-- and Power Windows and Other Power Options use its fuse, if it isof the value you need. Replace it as soon as youcan. Circuit breakers protectthe power windows and other power accessories. When the current load is too heavy, Before replacing a fuse, turn every vehicle electrical the circuit breaker opens and closes, protecting the switch off. circuit until the problem is fixed or goes away.
6-59 Driver’s Side Instrument PanelFuse Block 6. ECU-B: Daytime Running Lamp System, Cruise Your fuse block is beneath Control System the instrument panel on the 7. TURN: Turn Signal Lamps, Emergency Flashers driver’s ’side near the door. 8. GAGE: Gages and Meters, Service Reminder For access to the fuses, pull Indicators (except discharge and open door warning the knob on the cover. lights), Back-up Lamps, Air Conditioning System, Daytime Running LampSystem, Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission System 9. TAIL: Taillamps, Parking Lamps,License Plate Lamps, Instrument Panel Lights,-Daytime Running Lamp System 10. DEF-I/UP: Multiport Fuel Injection System, Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection System 1. Not Used 11. ECU-IG: Starting System, Anti-Lock Brake 2. IGN: Multiport Fuel Injection System, Sequen 1 System, Automatic Transmission Shift Lock System Multiport Fuel Injection System, Engine Cooling Fans, Discharge Warning Light, Airbags 12. WIPER: Windshield Wipers and Washer, Rear Window Wiper and Washer 3. STOP: Stoplamps, High-Mounted Stoplamp, Cruise Control System, Automatic Transmission Shift A. OBD: On-Board Diagnosis System Lock System, Anti-LockBrake System B. P/w: Power Windows, Power Door Lock System, 4. Not Used Electric SunRoof 5. CIG and RADIO: Cigarette Lighter, Digital Clock C. DEFOG: Rear Window Defogger Display, Air ConditioningSystem, Radio, Cassette Tape Player, Power Rearview Mirrors, Automatic Transmission ShiftLock System, Theft- Deterrent System, Airbags 6-60 Engine CompartmentFuse Block 1. DOME: Interior Lamp,Luggage Compartment Lamp, Trunk Lamp,Clock, Open Door Warning Most of your fuses are in the fuse block. Some are in Lamp, Radio, Cassette Tape Player, Anti-Lock two electrical centers in yourengine compartment. Brake Warning System These electrical centers, plusa component center behind your glove box, also have relays, circuit breakers and 2. HAZ-HORN: Emergency Flashers, Horns other electrical components. The larger electrical center 3. AM 2: Starting System in the engine compartment has a fuse puller attached to 4. FAN: Electric Cooling Fan the inside of the cover. You can use the puller to remove any fuses. 5. SPARE: Spare Fuse 6. SPARE: Spare Fuse 7. SPARE: Spare Fuse 8. ALT-S: Charging System / 9. DRL: Daytime Running Lamp System 10. EFI: Multiport Fuel InjectionSystem, Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection System, Electronically Controlled Automatic TransmissionSystem A. AM 1: Starting System, Airbags B. ALT: Taillamps c. ABS: Anti-Lock Brake System A. HORN \- B. FAN NO. 1 C. ENGINE MAIN D. HEAD E. EFI 6-61 Engine Compartment Fusemelay Block Engine Compartment FuseBlock (Passenger’s Side)
2
1. CDS 1. DRLNO. 2 2. ACMG 2. HEAD (LH-UPR): Left-Hand Headlamp 3. AC FAN NO. 3: Air Conditioner Fan Relay#3 (high beam) 4. AC FAN NO. 2: Air Conditioner Fan Relay#2 3. HEAD (LH-LWR): Left-Hand Headlamp (low beam) 4. HEAD (RH-UPR): Right-Hand Headlamp (high beam) 5. HEAD (RH-LWR): Right-Hand Headlamp (low beam)
6-62 Passenger’s Side Kick Panel There is one fuse located underneath the carpeton the passenger’s sideof the vehicle: c1 ‘11 1. A/C: Air Conditioning System 2. 40 A: Air Conditioning System 1. ABS: Anti-Lock Brake System
6-63 Replacement Bulbs Capacities and Specifications Back-up ...... 1156 Engine Headlamp (High Beam) ...... 9005GM Part No . 94853786 or equivalent Type ...... Headlamp (Low Beam) ...... 9006GM Part Compression Ratio . No . 94853787 or equivalent Firing Order ...... Center High-Mounted Stop ...... 921 Fuel Delivery ...... Stoplamp ...... 74 Piston Displacement License Plate ...... 168 VIN Engine Code 6 ...... 97 CID (1.6L) Parking Lamp ...... 168GM Part VIN Engine Code 8 ...... 108 CID(1.8L) No . 14245289 or equivalent Valve Arrangement ...... Double Overhead Cam Sidemarker Thermostat Temperature
8. Front . . . ~ ~ ...... 194 Specification ...... 180°F (82°C) Rear ...... 168 TaiVStop ...... 2057 Turn Signal Front ...... 1156GM Part No . 9428904 Rear ...... 2057
6-64 Replacement Parts Cooling System Air Cleaner Filter ...... GM Part No. 94853522 Manual Transaxle Battery ...... 35-60 VIN Engine Code 6 ...... 6.3 quarts (6.0 L) Engine Oil Filter ...... GM Part No. 25014441 VIN Engine Code 8 ...... 6.6 quarts (6.2 L) Fuel Filter ...... GM Part No. 94854620 Automatic Transaxle PCV Valve ...... GM Part No. 94853556 VIN Engine Code 6 ... . 6.2 quarts (5.9 L) Radiator Pressure Cap ...... 15 psi (105 kPa) VIN Engine Code 8 ... . 6.4 quarts (6.1 L) Spark Plug ...... GM Part No. 94853696 Crankcase - Engine Oil 0.031 inch (0.8 mm) gap. VIN Engine Code 6 Oil Change With Filter* . . 3.2 quarts (3.0 L) Wheel Nut? Vin Engine Code 8 Wheel Nut lorque ...... 76 lb-ft (103 N-m) Oil Change With Filter* ..... 3.9 quarts (3.7 L) Fuel Tank ...... 13.2 gallons (50 L) Capacities (Approximate) Manual Transaxle ...... 2.7 quarts (2.6 L)** The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. See “Air Conditioning Refrigerants” later in Air Conditioning? ...... See the refrigerant this section. information label under the hood. * When changing theoil filter, additional oil may be Automatic Transmission needed. Recheckthe oil level after filling. See “Engine 3-Speed ...... 2.6 quarts (2.5 L) ** Oil” in the Index. 4-Speed ...... 3.5 quarts (3.3 L) ** ** Recheck fluid level after filling. See “Automatic Differential (3-speed only) ..... 1.5 quarts (1.4 L) Transaxle Fluid” or “Manual Transaxle Fluid”in the Index.
6-65 Vehicle Dimensions Air Conditioning Refrigerants Wheelbase . . . 97.1 inches (2 465 mm) Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same. Tread If the air conditioning systemin your vehicle needs Front ...... 57.5 inches (1 460 mm) refrigerant, besure the properrefrigerant is used. Rear ...... 57.1 inches (1 450 mm) If you’re notsure, ask yourGeo dealer. Length ...... 173.0 inches (4 395 mm) Width ...... 66.3 inches (1 685 mm) Height ...... 53.3 inches (1 355 mm)
6-66 Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
This section covers the maintenance required for your Geo. Your vehicle needs theseservices to retain its safety, dependability and emission control performance.
7-2 Introduction 7-55 Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-2 Your Vehicle and the Environment 7-55 Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle 7-3 How This Section is Organized Boot and Seal Inspection 7-4 Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services 7-55 Exhaust System Inspection 7-4 Using Your Maintenance Schedule 7-55 Radiator and Heater Hose Inspection 7-4 Selecting the Right Schedule 7-55 Throttle Linkage Inspection 7-50 Part B: Owner Checks and Services 7-55 Brake System Inspection 7-50 At Each FuelFill 7-56 Part D: Recommended Fluids 7-50 At Least Once a Month and Lubricants 7-5 1 At Least Twice a Year 7-58 Part E: Maintenance Record 7-52 At Least Once a Year
7-1 Introduction I IMPORTANT: KEEP ENGINE OIL Your Vehicle and the Environment AT THE PROPER Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your LEVEL AND CHANGE AS RECOMMENDED vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the environment. All recommended maintenance procedures I are important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even affect the qualityof the air we breathe. Improper fluid levels or the wrong tire inflation can increase the level of emissions from your vehicle.To help protect our Protection environment, and to keep your vehiclein good I Plan I condition, please maintain your vehicle properly.
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan supplements your new vehicle warranties. Seeyour Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet,or your Geo dealer for details. How This Section is Organized “Part B: Owner Checks andServices” tells you what should be checked and when. Italso explains what you The remainder of this section isdivided into five parts: can easily do to help keepyour vehicle in good condition. “Part A: Scheduled MaintenanceServices” shows “Part C: Periodic MaintenanceInspections’’ explains what to have done and how often.Some of these important inspections that your Geodealer’s service services can becomplex, so unless you are technically department or another qualified service center qualified and have the necessary equipment, you should should perform. let your dealer’s servicedepartment or another qualified service centerdo these jobs. (‘Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”lists some products GM recommends to help keep your vehicle properly maintained.These products, or their equivalents, should be used whether youdo the work yourself or have it done. Performing maintenance work onvehicle a can “Part E: Maintenance Record”provides a placefor be dangerous.In trying to dosome jobs,you can you to record themaintenance performed on your be seriously injured.Do your own maintenance vehicle. Whenever anymaintenance is performed,be sure to write it down in this part.This will help you work only if you have the requiredknow-how determine when your next maintenance should be done. and the propertools and equipmentfor the job. In addition, it is a good ideato keep your maintenance If you have any doubt, havea qualified receipts. They may be needed to qualify your vehiclefor technician do the work. warranty repairs. L If you are skilled enough todo some work on your vehicle, you will probably want toget the service information GM publishes. See “Service and Owner Publications’’ in the Index.
7-3 Part A: Scheduled Maintenance The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in Part D. Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses Services these. All parts shouldbe replaced and all necessary Using Your Maintc -- - --Ice Schedule repairs done beforeyou or anyone else drives the vehicle. We at General Motors want to help you keep your vehicle in good working condition. But we don’t know These schedules are for vehicles that: exactly how you’ll driveit. You may drive very short 0 carry passengers and cargo within recommended distances only a few times a week. youOr may drive limits. You will find these limits on your vehicle’s long distances all the time in very hot, dusty weather. Tire-Loading Information label.See “Loading Your You may use your vehiclein making deliveries.Or Vehicle” in the Index. you may drive it to work, todo errands or in many 0 are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal other ways. driving limits. Because of all the different ways people use theirGM 0 use the recommended fuel. See “Fuel” in the Index. vehicles, maintenance needsvary. You may even need more frequent checks andreplacements than you’ll find Selecting the Right Schedule in the schedules in this section.So please read this section and notehow you drive. If you have any First you’ll need to decide whichof the two schedulesis questions on how to keep your vehicle in good right for your vehicle. Here’s how decideto which condition, see your Geo dealer. schedule to follow: This part tells you the maintenance services you should have done and when you shouldschedule them. If you go to your dealerfor your service needs, you’ll know that GM-trained and supported service people will perform the work usinggenuine GM parts.
7-4 Maintenance Schedule
Short TriplCity Definition I Short Trip/City Intervals Follow the Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule if any Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter one of these conditionsis true for your vehicle: Change (or 3 months, whichever occursfiist). Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km). Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Chassis Lubrication This is particularly important when outside (or 6 months, whichever occurs first). Tire Rotation. temperatures are below freezing. Air Cleaner Filter Inspection, if driving in dusty conditions. Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent driving in stop-and-go traffic). Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Automatic Transaxle Most trips are through dusty areas. Fluid Change (severe conditions only). Automatic Transaxle Fluid Check (normal conditions). You frequently tow a traileror use a carrier on top of Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter your vehicle. Replacement. Spark Plug Replacement. Fuel Tank, If the vehicle is usedfor delivery service, police, taxi Cap, Cap Gasket and Lines Inspection (or every or other commercial application. 24 months, whichever occurs first). Manual Transaxle One of the reasons you shouldfollow this scheduleif you Fluid Change (severe conditions only) (or every operate your vehicle under anyof these conditionsis that 24 months, whichever occursfirst). Cooling System these conditions cause engine oilto break down soonez . Service (or every24 months, whichever occursfirst).
7-5 Maintenance Schedule
Short TriplCityI IntervalsShort I Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Valve Clearance Follow this maintenanceschedule only if none of the Inspection, adjustif necessary (or every conditions from the Short Trip/City Maintenance 48 months, whichever occurs first).Evaporative Schedule is true. Do not use this schedule if the vehicle Emissions Canister Inspection (or every72 months, is used for trailer towing, drivenin a dusty areaor used whichever occurs first). Timing Belt Replacement off paved roads. Use the ShortTripKity schedule for (or every72 months, whichever occurs first). these conditions. At 60,000 Miles (100 000 km) (Or 48 Months, Driving a vehicle with afilly warmed engine under Whichever Occurs First)-- Then Every highway conditions causes engine oil to break 15,000 Miles (25000 km) (Or 12 Months down slower: Whichever Occurs First):Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection. These intervals only summarize maintenance services. Be sure to follow the complete maintenance schedule on the following pages.
7-6 Maintenance Schedule
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km): Engine Oil and Filter Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Valve Clearance Change (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). Inspection, adjust if necessary (orevery 48 months, Chassis Lubrication (or every 12 months, whichever whichever occurs first). Evaporative Emissions occurs first). Tire Rotation. Canister Inspection (or every 72 months, whichever occurs first). Timing Belt Replacement (or every Every 15,000 Miles(25 000 km): Automatic Transaxle Fluid Change (severe conditions only).Automatic 72 months, whichever occurs first). Transaxle Fluid Check (normal conditions). At 60,000 Miles (100 000 km) (or48 Months, Whichever Occurs First) Then Every Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Spark Plug -- Replacement. Air Cleaner Filter Replacement. Fuel 15,000 Miles (25000 km) (or 12 Months, Tank, Cap, Cap Gasket and Lines Inspection (or every Whichever Occurs First):Engine Accessory 24 months, whichever occurs first). Manual Transaxle Drive Belt Inspection. Fluid Change (severe conditions only) (or every These intervals only summarize maintenance services. 24 months, whichever occurs first). Cooling System Be sure to follow the complete maintenance schedule Service (or every 24 months, whichever occurs first). on the following pages.
7-7 I Short nip/City Maintenance Schedule I 3,000 Miles (5 000 km) The services shownin this schedule upto 100,000 miles 0Change engine oil and filter (or every (166 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles 3 months, whichever occurs first). (166 000 km) at the same intervals. An Emission Control Service. See “Owner Checks and Services” and “Periodic Maintenance Inspections” following. Footnotes -f The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board has determined that the failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emissicn warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of the vehicle’s usefullife. We, however, urge that all recommended maintenance servicesbe performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded. # Lubricate the parking brake cable guides, underbody DATE SERVICEDACTUAL MILEAGE BY: contact points and linkage. + A good time to check your brakes is during tire rotation. See “Brake System Inspection” under “Periodic Maintenance Inspection” in PartC of this schedule. I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I 6,000 Miles (10 000 km) 0Change engine oil and filter (or every 0Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and 3 months, whichever occurs first). Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation An Emission Control Service. pattern and additional information. 0Lubricate chassis components (or every (See footnote +.) 6 months, whichever occurs first). 0Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving (See footnote #.) in dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote “f.)
I I I 3 DATEACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
7-9 I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I 9,000 Miles (15 000 km) 12,000 Miles (20 000 km) 0Change engine oil and filter (or every 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission ControlService. An Emission Control Service. 0Lubricate chassis components(or every 6 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote #.)
I DATE I ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BYJ
7-10 I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule I 15,000 Miles (25 000 km) 0Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and 0Change engine oil and filter (or every Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation 3 months, whicheveroccurs first). pattern and additional information. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote +.) 0 Change automatic transaxle and differential 0Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving fluid every 15,000 miles (25 000 km) if the in dusty conditions. Replace filter if vehicle is mainly driven underone or more necessary. An Emission Control Service. of these conditions: (See footnote f.) - In heavy city traffic wherethe outside temperature regularly reaches 90 OF (32 O C) or higher.
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY
(Continued) 7-11 I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I
15,000 Miles (25 000 km) (Continued) 18,000 Miles (30 000 km) - In hilly or mountainous terrain. 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every - When doing frequent trailer towing. 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. - Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service. 0Lubricate chassis components (or every If you do not use your vehicle under anyof 6 months, whichever occurs first). these conditions, check the fluid. (See footnote #.)
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
7-12 I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule I 21,000 Miles (35 000 km) 0Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation 3 months, whichever occurs first). pattern and additional information. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote +.) 0Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote?.)
. ~~ DATE ACTUALMILEAGE SERVICED BY: DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY
7-13 I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule I 24,000 Miles (40 000 km) 0Change engine oil and filter (or every 0Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and 3 months, whichever occursfirst). Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation An Emission Control Service. pattern and additional information. 0Lubricate chassis components (or every (See footnote +.) 6 months, whichever occursfirst). 0Inspect air cleanerfilter if you are driving (See footnote #.) in dusty conditions. Replacefilter if necessary. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote?.)
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
7-14 I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule I 27,000 Miles (45 000 km) 30,000 Miles (50 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every I7 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Service. 0 Lubricate chassis components (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote #.) 0 Replace spark plugs. An Emission Control Service. 0 Replace air cleaner filter (or every 24 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. 17 Inspect fuel tank, cap, cap gasket and lines for damage or leaks (or every 24 months, DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: whichever occurs first). Replace parts as needed. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote?.)
(Continued) 7-15 ~~ I Short TriplCity Maintenance Schedule I
30,000 Miles (50 000 km) (Continued) 0Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and vehicle is mainly driven under one or more Rotation” in theIndex for proper rotation of these conditions: pattern and additional information. - In heavy city traffic wherethe outside (See footnote +.) temperature regularly reaches90 OF 0Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or (32°C) or higher. every 24 months, whichever occursfirst). - In hilly or mountainous terrain. See “Engine Coolant” inthe Index for what - When doing frequent trailer towing. to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck. Pressure - Uses such as foundin taxi, police or test cooling system and pressurecap. delivery service. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote T.) If you do not use your vehicle under anyof 0Change manual transaxle fluid every these conditions, check the fluid. 30,000 miles (50 000 km) only if your vehicle is used to tow a trailer. DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: 0Change automatic transaxle and differential fluid every 15,000 miles (25 000 km) if the
7-16 I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule I 33,000 Miles (55 000 km) 36’000 Miles (60 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 0Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Service. 0Lubricate chassis components (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote #.)
I DATE I ACTUAL MILEAGE ISERVICED BY: I
(Continued) 7-17 I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I 36,000 Miles (60 000 km) (Continued) 39,000 Miles (65 000 km) 0Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and 0Change engine oil and filter (or every Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation 3 months, whichever occursfirst). pattern and additional information. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote +.) 0Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions.Replace filter if necessary. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote t.)
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
7-18 I Short nip/City Maintenance Schedule I 42,000 Miles (70 000 km) 0Change engine oil and filter (or every 0Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and 3 months, whichever occurs first). Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation An Emission Control Service. pattern and additional information. 0Lubricate chassis components (or every (See footnote +.) 6 months, whichever occurs first). 0Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving (See footnote #.) in dusty conditions. Replacefilter if necessary. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote T.)
I I I DATEACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
7-19 I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule I 45,000 Miles (75 000 km) 0 Change engine oil andfilter (or every - In hilly or mountainous terrain. 3 months, whichever occurs first). - When doing frequenttrailer towing. An Emission Control Service. - Uses such as found in taxi, police or 0 Change automatic transaxle and differential delivery service. fluid every 15,000 miles (25 000 krn) if the If you do not use your vehicle under any of vehicle is mainly driven under one or more these conditions, check the fluid. of these conditions: - In heavy city traffic where theoutside temperature regularly reaches90 OF (32 * C)or higher.
DATE SERVICEDACTUAL MILEAGE BY: I Short TriplCity Maintenance Schedule I 48,000 Miles (80 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 0Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and 3 months, whichever occurs first). Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation An Emission Control Service. pattern and additional information. Cl Lubricate chassis components (or every (See footnote +.) 6 months, whichever occurs first). 0Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving (See footnote #.) in dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote T.)
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
I I I 7-21 Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule 51,000 Miles (85 000 km) 54,000 Miles (90 000kn 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 0Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Service. Lubricate chassis components (orevery 6 months, whichever occursfirst). (See footnote #.)
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
I 7-22 [ Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I 57,000 Miles (95 000 km) 0Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and 0Change engine oil and filter (or every Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation 3 months, whichever occurs first). pattern and additional information. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote +.) 0Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote T.)
1 DATEACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: I DATE 1 ACTUALMILEAGE SERVICED BY:
17-23 I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule1 60,000 Miles (100 000 km) 0Change engine oil and filter (or every Inspect for tappet noise andengine 3 months, whichever occurs first). vibration. Adjust valve clearance to factory An Emission ControlService. specifications if necessary (or every 0Lubricate chassis components (or every 48 months, whichever occurs first). 6 months, whichever occursfirst). An Emission Control Service. (See footnote #.) 0Inspect fuel tank, cap, cap gasket and lines 0Inspect engine accessory drive belts (or for damage or leaks (or every24 months, every 48 months, whichever occursfirst). whichever occurs first). Replace partsas An Emission ControlService. needed. An Emission Control Service. 0Replace spark plugs. (See footnote?.) An Emission Control Service. 0Replace the timing belt (or every 0Replace air cleaner filter (or every 72 months, whichever occurs first). 24 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Service. 0Inspect evaporative emissionscanister for 0Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and damage or clogging (or every72 months, Rotation’’ in the Index for proper rotation whichever occurs first). Clean with pattern and additional information. compressed air orreplace if necessary. (See footnote +.) An Emission Control Service. 7-24 miTrip/City Maintenance Schedule I
0Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or vehicle is mainly driven under one or more every 24 months, whichever occurs first). of these conditions: See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for what - In heavy city traffic wherethe outside to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, temperature regularlyreaches 90 OF condenser, pressure cap and neck. Pressure (32’ C) or higher. test cooling system and pressure cap. - In hilly or mountainous terrain. An Emission Control Sewice. (See footnote T.) - When doing frequent trailer towing. 0 Change manual transaxle fluid every 30,000 miles (50 000 km) only if your - Uses such as found in taxi, policeor vehicle is used to tow a trailer. delivery service. 0Change automatic transaxle and differential If you do not use your vehicle under anyof fluid every 15,000 miles (25 000 km) if the these conditions, check the fluid.
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
7-25 I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule I
63,000 Miles (105 000 k--' 66,000 Miles (110 000 km) 0Change engine oil and filter (or every 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occursfirst). 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Service. 0Lubricate chassis components(or every 6 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote #.)
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
7-26 I Short TriplCity Maintenance Schedule I 69,000 Miles (115 000 km) 0Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and 0Change engine oil and filter (or every Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation 3 months, whichever occurs first). pattern and additional information. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote +.) 0Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote “f)
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY
7-27 I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule I 72,000 Miles (120 000 km) 0Change engine oil and filter (or every 0Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and 3 months, whichever occursfirst). Rotation” in the Indexfor proper rotation An Emission ControlService. pattern and additional information. 0Lubricate chassis components (or every (See footnote +.) 6 months, whichever occursfirst). 0Inspect air cleanerfilter if you are driving (See footnote#.) in dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary. An Emission ControlService. (See footnote T.)
I DATE I ACTUAL MILEAGE ISERVICED BWI I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule I 75,000 Miles (125 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every - In hilly or mountainous terrain. 3 months, whichever occurs first). - When doing frequent trailer towing. An Emission Control Service. - Uses such as found in taxi, police or 0Inspect engine accessory drive belts delivery service. (or 12 months since last inspection). If you do not use your vehicle under anyof An Emission Control Service. these conditions, check thefluid. 0Change automatic transaxle and differential fluid every 15,000 miles (25 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: - In heavy city traffic wherethe outside temperature regularly reaches 90 OF (32O C) or higher.
~ ~~~~ DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
7-29 I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule I 78,000 Miles (130 000 km) 0 Change engineoil and filter (or every 0Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and 3 months, whichever occurs first). Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation An Emission Control Service. pattern and additional information. 0Lubricate chassis components (or every (See footnote +.) 6 months, whichever occurs first). 17 Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving (See footnote#.) in dusty conditions. Replacefilter if necessary. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote t.)
7-30 I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I 81,000 Miles (135 000 km) 84,000 Miles (140 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Service. 0Lubricate chassis components (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote #.)
I DATE I ACTUALMILEAGE ISERVICED BXI
(Continued)
n -4 '/-31 I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I 84,000 Miles (140 000 km) (Con-_’_-_--_-.9 87,000 Miles (145 000 km) 0Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspect,,n and 0Change engine oil and filter (or every Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation 3 months, whichever occurs first). pattern and additional information. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote +.) 0Inspect air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions. Replacefilter if necessary. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote T.)
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: I DATE SERVICEDACTUAL MILEAGE BY:
I I I 7-32 Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule 90,000 Miles (150 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 0Inspect fuel tank, cap, cap gasket and lines 3 months, whichever occurs first). for damage or leaks (or every 24 months, An Emission Control Service. whichever occurs first). Replace parts as Lubricate chassis components (or every needed. An Emission Control Service. 6 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote? .) (See footnote #.) 0Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and 0 Inspect engine accessory drive belts (or Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation every 12 months since last inspection). pattern and additional information. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote +.) 0 Replace spark plugs. 0Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or An Emission Control Service. every 24 months, whichever occursfirst). 0Replace air cleaner filter (or every See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for what 24 months, whichever occurs first). to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, An Emission Control Service. condenser, pressure cap and neck. Pressure test cooling system and pressurecap. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote T.)
(Continued) 7-33 1 Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule I
90,000 Miles (150 000 km) (Continued) Change manual transaxle fluid every - In hilly or mountainous terrain. 30,000 miles (50 000 km) only if your - When doing frequent trailer towing. vehicle is used to tow a trailer. - Uses such as foundin taxi, police or 0Change automatic transaxle and differential delivery service. fluid every 15,000 miles (25 000 km) if the If you do not use your vehicle under anyof vehicle is mainly driven under oneor more these conditions, checkthe fluid. of these conditions: - In heavy city traffic wherethe outside temperature regularly reaches90 * F (32°C) or higher.
DATEACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
7-34 I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule I 93,000 Miles (155 000 km) 96,000 Miles (160 000 km) 0Change engine oil and filter (or every 0Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occursfirst). 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Sewice. An Emission Control Sewice. 0Lubricate chassis components (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote #.)
I DATEACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY
(Continued) 7-35 )Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule I
96,000 Miles (160 000 km) (Continued) 99,000 Miles (165 000 km) 0Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and 0Change engine oil and filter (or every Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation 3 months, whichever occurs first). pattern and additional information. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote +.) 0Inspect air cleanerfilter if you are driving in dusty conditions. Replacefilter if necessary. An Emission Control Service. (See footnotef .)
~~ DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
I I 1 Lung Tripmighway Maintenance Schedule 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) The services shownin this schedule up to 100,000 miles Change engine oil and filter (or every (166 000km) should be performed after 100,000 miles 12 months, whichever occurs first). (166 000 km) at the same intervals. An Emission Control Service. See “Owner Checks and Services” and “Periodic 0Lubricate chassis components (or every Maintenance Inspections” following. 12 months, whichever occursfirst). Footnotes (See footnote #.) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency orthe 0Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and California Air Resources Boardhas determined that the Rotation” in the Indexfor proper rotation failure to perform thismaintenance item will not nullify pattern and additional information. the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the (See footnote +.) completion of the vehicle’s useful life.We, however, urge that all recommendedmaintenance services be performed atthe indicated intervals andIthe maintenance be recorded. # Lubricate the parking brakecable guides, underbody contact points and linkage. + A good time to check your brakes is during tire rotation. See “Brake System Inspection” under “Periodic Maintenance Inspections” inPart C of this schedule.
7-37 I Long Tripmighway Mainten e Schedule I 15,000 Miles (25 000 km) 0Change engine oil and filter (or every vehicle is mainly driven under one or more 12 months, whichever occurs first). of these conditions: An Emission Control Service. - In heavy city traffic wherethe outside 0Lubricate chassis components (or every temperature regularly reaches90’ F 12 months, whichever occursfirst). (32 O C) or higher. (See footnote #.) - In hilly or mountainous terrain. 0Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and - When doing frequenttrailer towing. Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation - Uses such as foundin taxi, police or pattern and additional information. delivery service. (See footnote +.) If you do not use your vehicle under anyof 0 Change automatic transaxle and differential these conditions, checkthe fluid. fluid every 15,000 miles (25 000 km) if the
7 -- ., , I LVI~hip/Highway Maintenance Schedule I 22,500 Miles (37 500 km) 30,000 Miles (50 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every 0Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). 12 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Service. 0Lubricate chassis components (or every 0Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). 12 months, whichever occursfirst). (See footnote #.) (See footnote #.) 0Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and 0Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation’’ in the Index for proper rotation Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) (See footnote +.) 0Replace spark plugs. An Emission Control Service. 0Replace air cleaner filter (or every DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: 24 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service.
(Continued) 7-39 1 Long TripMighway Pm-:-Cenance Schedule I -’ -’
30,000 Miles (50 000 km) (1 ued) 17 Inspect fuel tank, cap, cap gasket and lines 0 Change manual transaxlefluid every for damage or leaks (or every 24 months, 30,000 miles (50 000 km) only if your whichever occurs first). Replace parts as vehicle is used to tow a trailer. needed. An Emission Control Service. 0 Change automatic transaxle and differential (See footnote?.) fluid every 15,000 miles (25 000 km) if the I7 Drain, flush andrefill cooling system (or vehicle is mainly driven under one or more every 24 months, whichever occursfirst). of these conditions: See “Engine Coolant’’in the Index for what - In heavy city traffic where the outside to use. Inspect hoses.Clean radiator, temperature regularly reaches90 O F condenser, pressure cap and neck. Pressure (32 O C) or higher. test cooling system and pressurecap. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote T.)
7-40 I Long TripP-9w-1 Maintenance Schedult: 37,500 Miles (62 500 km) - In hilly or mountainous terrain. 17 Change engine oil and filter (or every - When doing frequent trailer towing. 12 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. - Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service. 0Lubricate chassis components (or every If you do not use your vehicle under anyof 12 months, whichever occursfirst). these conditions, check the fluid. (See footnote #.) 0Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
I DATE I ACTUALMILEAGE ISERVICED BY: I DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
7-41 1 Long Tripmighway Maintenance Schedule I 45,000 Miles (75 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every vehicle is mainly driven under one or more 12 months, whichever occurs first). of these conditions: An Emission Control Service. - In heavy city traffic wherethe outside 0Lubricate chassis components (or every temperature regularly reaches90 OF 12 months, whichever occursfirst). (32°C) or higher. (See footnote #.) - In hilly or mountainous terrain. 0Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and - When doing frequent trailer towing. Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation - Uses such as found in taxi, policeor pattern and additional information. delivery service. (See footnote +.) If you do not use your vehicle under anyof 0Change automatic transaxle and differential these conditions, check thefluid. fluid every 15,000 miles (25 000 km) if the
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
7-42 L--- ’I.ipRighwr=r IVqintenance SPedule I- 1 52,500 Mill : (87 500 km) 60,000 Miles (100 000 km) 0Change engine oil and filter (or every 0Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). 12 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Service. 0Lubricate chassis components (or every 0Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). 12 months, whichever occurs first). (See footnote #.) (See footnote #.) 0Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and 0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspecnon and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation Rotation’’ in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) (See footnote +.) 0Inspect engine accessory drive belts (or every 48 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. 1 DATE I ACTUAL MILEAGE ISERVICED BY: I 0 Replace spark plugs. An Emission Control Service.
(Continued) 7-43 1 Lung Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule I 60,000 Miles (100 000 km) (Continued) 0Replace air cleaner filter (or every 0Inspect evaporative emissions canister for 24 months, whichever occurs first). damage or clogging (or every72 months, An Emission Control Service. whichever occurs first). Clean with 0Inspect fuel tank, cap, cap gasket and lines compressed air or replaceif necessary. for damage (or every24 months, whichever An Emission Control Service. occurs first). Replace parts as needed. 0Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or An Emission Control Service. (See footnote?.) every 24 months, whichever occurs first). 0Inspect for tappetnoise and engine See “Engine Coolant” inthe Index for what vibration. Adjust valve clearance to factory to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, specifications if necessary (or every condenser, pressure cap and neck. Pressure 48 months, whichever occurs first). test cooling system and pressure cap. An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Service. (See footnoteT.) 0Replace the timing belt (or every 0Change manual transaxlefluid every 72 months, whichever occurs first). 30,000 miles (50 000 km) only if your An Emission Control Service. vehicle is used to tow a trailer. 0Change automatic transaxle and differential fluid every 15,000 miles (25 000 km) if the
7-44 I Long Tripmighway Maintenance Schedule I 67,500 Miles (112 500 km) vehicle is mainly driven under one or more 0Change engine oil and filter (or every of these conditions: . 12 months, whichever occursfirst). - In heavy city traffic wherethe outside An Emission Control Sewice. temperature regularlyreaches 90 O F 0Lubricate chassis components (or every (32°C) or higher. 12 months, whichever occurs first). - In hilly or mountainous terrain. (See footnote #.) - When doing frequent trailer towing. 0Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and - Uses such as found in taxi, police or Rotation’’ in the Index for proper rotation delivery service. pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) If you do not use your vehicle under anyof these conditions, check the fluid.
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
7-45 I Long Tripmighway Maintenance Sched.ule I - ~~ 75,000 Miles (125 000 km) 0 Change engine oil and filter (or every - In heavy city traffic where the outside 12 months, whichever occursfirst). temperature regularly reaches90 OF An Emission Control Service. (32 O C)or higher. 0Lubricate chassis components (or every - In hilly or mountainous terram. 12 months, whichever occurs first). - When doing frequenttrailer towing. (See footnote#.) - Uses such as foundin taxi, police or 0Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and delivery service. Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation If you do not use your vehicle under anyof pattern and additional information. these conditions, checkthe fluid. (See footnote +.) 0Inspect engine accessory drive belts (or 12 months since last inspection). An Emission Control Service. 0Change automatic transaxle and differential fluid every 15,000 miles (25 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under oneor more of these conditions:
7-46 I LongTrip/I’:-r,hway Maintenance-Schedule I
82,500 Miler ,‘137 500 k 1) 90,000 Miles (150 000 km) 0Change engine oil and filter (or every Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). . 12 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Service. 0Lubricate chassis components (or every I7 Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). 12 months, whichever occursfirst). (See footnote #.) (See footnote #.) 0Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and 0 Replace spark plugs. Rotation’’ in the Index for proper rotation An Emission Control Service. pattern and additional information. 0Replace air cleaner filter (or every (See footnote +.) 24 months, whichever occursfirst). An Emission Control Service. 0 Inspect fuel tank, cap, cap gasket and lines for damage or leaks (or every 24 months, I DATE I ACTUALMILEAGE ISERVICED BEI whichever occurs first). Replace parts as needed. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote”f)
(Continued)
m Am 1-41 I Long Tripmighway Maintenance Schedule I
90,000 Miles (150 000 km) (Continued) 0 Inspect engine accessorydrive belts 0 Change manual transaxle fluid every (or 12 months since last inspection). 30,000 miles (50 000 km) only if your An Emission ControlService. vehicle is used to tow a trailer. Drain, flush andrefill cooling system (or 0 Change automatic transaxle and differential every 24 months, whichever occursfirst). fluid every 15,000 miles (25 000 km) if the See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for what vehicle is mainly driven under one or more to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, of these conditions: condenser, pressure cap and neck. Pressure - In heavy city traffic where the outside test cooling system and pressurecap. temperature regularly reaches90 OF An Emission Control Service. (See footnote T.) (32 O C) or higher. - In hilly or mountainous terrain.
7-48 ~~ Long TripHighway Maintenance Schedule I 97,500 Miles (162 500 km) - When doing frequent trailer towing. 0Change engine oil and filter (or every - Uses such as found in taxi, police or 12 months, whichever occurs first). delivery service. An Emission Control Service. If you do not use yourvehicle under any of 0Lubricate chassis components (or every these conditions, check the fluid. 12 months, whichever occursfirst). 0Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and (See footnote #.) Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation 0Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and pattern and additional information. Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation (See footnote +.) pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: I DATE I ACTUALMILEAGE ISERVICED BY:I
4 7-49 Part B: Owner Checks and Services Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check Listed below are owner checks and services which Check the windshield washer fluid level in the should be performed at the intervals specified to help windshield washer tank and add the proper fluidif ensure the safety, dependability and emission control necessary. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in theIndex performance of your vehicle. for further details. Be sure any necessary repairs are completedat once. Hood Latch Operation Check Whenever any fluidsor lubricants are added to your Pull the primary hood latch releasehandle inside the vehicle, make sure they are theproper ones, as shown vehicle. The secondary latch should keep the hoodfrom in Part D. opening allthe way when the primary latch is released. At Each Fuel Fill Make sure the hood closes firmly. See “HoodRelease” in the Indexfor further details. It is important for you or a service stationattendant to pegom these underhoodchecks at each fuelfill. At Least Once a Month Engine Oil Level Check Tire Inflation Check Check theengine oil level and add the properoil if Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures. See necessary. See “Engine Oil” inthe Index for “Tires” in the Index for further details. further details. Cassette Deck Service Engine Coolant Level Check Clean cassette deck.Cleaning should be done every Check theengine coolant level and add coolant mixture 50 hours of tape play. See “Audio Systems” inthe Index if necessary. See “Engine Coolant” in the Indexfor for further details. further details.
1 50 At Least Twice a Year Wiper Blade Check Inspect wiper bladesfor wear or cracking.Replace blade Restraint System Check inserts that appear worn or damagedor that streak or Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your miss areas of the windshield.Also see “Wiper Blades, belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors andanchorages are Cleaning” in the Index. working properly. If your vehicle has a built-in child restraint, also periodically make sure the harness straps, Fluid Level Check latch plates, buckle, clip, andanchorages are working Check the power steering pump, hydraulic clutch and properly. Lookfor any other loose or damaged safety automatic or manual transaxle fluid levels and add as belt and built-in child restraintsystem parts. If you see needed. See “Power Steering,” “Hydraulic Clutch” and anything that mightkeep a safety beltor built-in child “Automatic Transaxle” or “ManualTransaxle” in the restraint system from doing its job, have it repaired. Index. Check for leaks. A fluid loss in these systems Have any torn or‘frayed safetybelts or harness could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and straps replaced. repaired at once. Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings, and have them repairedor replaced. The air bag system Automatic Transaxle Check should be inspected by a qualified technician10 years Check the transaxle fluid level; add if needed. See from the manufacture date on the Certification label. “Automatic Transaxle” in the Index.A fluid loss may After 10 years from the manufacture date, have the indicate a problem. Check the system and repair if needed. system inspected every 24 months. (The Certification label is located on the rearedge of the driver’s door.)
7-51 At Least Once a Year Startc- ‘- *’ h (- ~ eck Key Lock Cylinders Service CAUTION: Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant A I specified in PartD. When you are doing this check, the vehicle could Seat Operation Check move suddenly.If it does, you or others could be Make sure the head restraints stay in position and all injured. Follow the steps below. seat latches lock. Check thatthe recliner holds by pushing and pulling the seatback whileis it reclined. 1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room Body Lubrication Service around the vehicle. Lubricate all bodydoor hinges. Also lubricate all 2. Firmly apply both the parking brake (see “Parking hinges and latches, including thosefor the hood, rear Brake” in the Index if necessary) and the regular brake. compartment and any folding seat hardware. PartD tells you whatto use. More frequent lubrication may be NOTE: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts. required when exposedto a corrosive environment.
7-52 3. On automatic transaxle vehicles, tryto start the 1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room engine in each gear.The starter should work only in around the vehicle. It should be parked on a PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the starter works in level surface. any other position, your vehicle needs service. 2. Firmly apply the parking brake (see “Parking Brake” On manual transaxle vehicles, put the shift leverin in the Indexif necessary). NEUTRAL (N), push the clutch down halfway and NOTE: Be readyto apply the regular brake try to start the engine.The starter should work only immediately if the vehicle beginsto move. when the clutch is pushed down all theway to the floor. If the starter works when the clutch isn’t 3. With the engine off, turn the keyto the ON position, pushed all the way down, your vehicle needs service. but don’t start the engine. Without applying the regular brake, tryto move the shift lever outof Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock (BTSI) Check PARK (P) with normal effort.If the shift lever (Automatic Transaxle) moves out of PARK (P), your vehicle’s BTSI needs service. Ignition Transaxle Lock Check I CAUTION: I A While parked, and with the parking brake set, tryturn to When you are doing this check, the vehicle could the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position. move suddenly.If it does, you or others could be With an automatic transaxle, the key should turnto injured. Follow thesteps below. LOCK only whenthe shift lever is in PARK (P). With a manual transaxle, the key should turn to LOCK only if you push the key in farther, while turning it towards LOCK.
7-53 Parking Brake and Automatic TransaxlePARK (P) Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing Mechanism Check downhill. Keeping yourfoot on the regular brake, set the parking brake.
I 0 To check the parking brake’s holding ability: With A CAUTION: the engine running and transaxle in NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressurefrom the regular brake When you are doing thischeck, your vehicle pedal. Do this until the vehicleis held by the parking could begin to move. You or otherscould be brake only. injured and property couldbe damaged. Make To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability: sure thereis room infront of your vehicle in case With the engine running, shiftto PARK (P). Then it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular release all brakes. brake at once should thevehicle begin to move. Underbody Flushing Service At least every spring, use plain waterto flush any corrosive materialsfrom the underbody. Take care to clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris can collect.
7-! Part C: Periodic Maintenance holes, loose connectionsor other conditions which could cause a heat build-up in the floor panor could let Inspections exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust” in Listed below are inspections and services which should the Index. be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring and fall). You should let your GM dealer’s Radiator and Heater Hose Inspection service departmentor other qualified service center do Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are cracked, swollenor deteriorated. Inspect all pipes, completed at once. fittings and clamps; replace as needed. Proper proceduresto perform these services maybe found in a GM service manual. See “Service and Owner Throttle Linkage Inspection Publications” inthe Index. Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding, and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle needed. Replace any cables that have high effort or Boot and Seal Inspection excessive wear.Do not lubricate accelerator and cruise Inspect the fiont and rear suspension and steering system control cables. for damaged, loose or missing parts, signsof wear or lack Brake System Inspection of lubrication. Inspect the power steering lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and Clean and then inspect thedrive axle boot seals for hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, damage, tears or leakage. Replace seals if necessary. chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake padsfor wear and rotors for surface condition. Also inspect drum brake linings Exhaust System Inspection for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body drums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake,etc. near the exhaust system. Lookfor broken, damaged, Check parking brake adjustment.You may need to have missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams, your brakes inspected more oftenif your driving habits or conditions result in frequent braking. Part D: Recommended Fluids USAGE FLUIDLUBRICANT and Lubricants Hydraulic Brake Delco Supreme 11 @ Brake Fluid NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, System (GM Part No. 12377967 or part number or specification may be obtained from your equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid). GM dealer. Hydraulic Clutch Hydraulic Clutch Fluid(GM Part USAGE FLUIDLUBRICANT System No. 12345347 or equivalent DOT- 3 brake fluid). Engine Oil Engine oil with the American Petroleum Institute Certified For Power Steering DEXRON@-I11 Automatic Gasoline Engines “Starburst” System Transmission Fluid. symbol of the proper viscosity.To Manual GM Goodwrench Synthetic determine the preferred viscosity Transaxle Manual Transmission Gear Oil for your vehicle’s engine, see (GM Part NO. 1234 6190 - 1 “Engine Oil” in the Index. quart) or equivalentSAE 75W-90 Engine Coolant 501’50 mixture of clean water GL-4 gear oil. (preferably distilled) and good Automatic DEXRON@-I11 Automatic quality ethylene glycol base Transaxle Transmission Fluid. coolant (GMPart No. 1052753 or equivalent) conforming toGM Key Lock Multi-Purpose lubricant, Superlube@ Specification 1825M or approved Cylinders (GM Part No. 1234 6241 recycled coolant conforming to or equivalent). GM Specification 1825M. See “Engine Coolant’’ in the Index.
7-56 USAGE FLUIDLUBRICANT USAGE FLUIDLUBRICANT Manual Chassis lubricant (GM Part Windshield GM Optikleen@Washer Solvent Transaxle Shift No. 1052497 or equivalent) or Washer Solvent (GM Part No. 1051515) Linkage lubricant meetingrequirements or equivalent. of NLGI # 2, Category LB or GC-LB. Hood Latch Lubriplate lubricant aerosol Assembly, (GM Part No. 12346293 or Clutch Linkage Chassis lubricant (GM Part Pivots, Spring equivalent) or lubricant meeting Pivot Points No. 1052497 or equivalent) or Anchor and requirements of NLGI # 2, lubricant meetingrequirements Release Pawl Category LB or GC-LB. of NLGI # 2, Category LB or GC-LB. Hood and Door Multi-purpose lubricant, Superlube@ Hinges (GM Part No. 12346241 Floor Shift Lubriplate lubricant aerosol or equivalent). Linkage (GM Part No. 12346293 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting Fuel Door Hinge Engine oil or LubriplateLubricant and Rear requirements of NLGI # 2 (GM Part No. 1050109). Category LB or GC-LB. Compartment Lid Hinges Chassis Chassis lubricant (GM Part Weatherstrip Lubrication No. 1052497 or equivalent) or Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM lubricant meetingrequirements Conditionin9: Part No. 12345579 or eauivalent). of NLGI # 2, Category LB See “Replacement Parts”in the Index for recommended or GC-LB. replacement filters and spark plugs.
7-57 1 __ E: MaintenanceRecord Any additional information from “Owner Checks and Services” or “Periodic Maintenance” canbe added on Att the scheduled services are performed, record the the following record pages. Also,you should retain all date, odometer reading and who performed the service maintenance receipts.Your owner information portfolio in the boxes provided after the maintenance interval. is a convenient place to store them. Maintenance Record
7-58 Maintenance Record
7-59 Maintenance Record ODOMETER DATE READING BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED SERVICED
7-60 1 Section 8 Customer Assistance Information
Here you will find out how to contactChevroletlGeo if you need assistance.This section also tells you how to obtain service publications and how to report any safety defects.
8-2 Customer Satisfaction Procedure 8- 10 Warranty Information 8-4 Customer Assistance for Text Telephone 8-10 Reporting Safety Defects tothe United (TTY) Users States Government 8-5 ChevroletlGeo Roadside Assistance Program 8- 11 Reporting SafetyDefects to the 8-7 Canadian Roadside Assistance Canadian Government 8-7 Courtesy Transportation 8-11 Reporting Safety Defectsto General Motors 8-9 GM Participation in an Alternative Dispute 8-11 Ordering Service and Owner Publications Resolution Program in Canada Customer Satisfaction Procedure Chevrolet/Geo dealers have the facilities, trained technicians and up-to-date information to promptly address any concerns you may have. However,if a concern has not been resolvedto your complete satisfaction, take thefollowing steps: STEP ONE -- Discuss your concern witha member of dealership management. Normally, concerns can be quickly resolved at that level.If the matter has already been reviewed with theSales, Service orParts Manager, contact the ownerof the dealership or the General Manager.
8-2 STEP TWO -- If after contacting a member of 0 In the U.S. Virgin Islands: 1-800-496-9994 dealership management, it appears your concern 0 In the Dominican Republic: 1-800-75 1-41 35 cannot be resolved by the dealership without further (English) or 1-800-75 1-4136 (Spanish) help, contact the Chevrolet/Geo Customer Assistance Center by calling 1-800-222- 1020. InCanada, 0 In the Bahamas: 1-800-389-0009 contact GM of Canada Customer Communication 0 In Bermuda, Barbados, Antigua and the British Centre'in Oshawa by calling 1-800-263-3777 Virgin Islands: 1-800-534-0122 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French). 0 In all other Caribbean countries: (809) 763- 13 15 For help outsideof the UnitedStates and Canada,call the following numbersas appropriate: 0 In other overseas locations, call GM International Product Center in Canada at: (905) 644-4112. 0 In Mexico: (525) 625-3256
0 In Puerto Rico: 1-800-496-9992 (English) or 1-800-496-9993 (Spanish)
8-3 For prompt assistance, please have the following Refer to your Warranty and Owner Assistance information availableto give the Customer Information booklet for addressesof GM Assistance Representative: Overseas offices. e Your name, address, homeand business When contacting Chevrolet/Geo, please remember that telephone numbers your concern will likely be resolved in the dealership, using the dealer’s facilities, equipment and personnel. 0 Vehicle Identification Number (This is available from the vehicle registration or title, theor plate at That is why we suggest you follow Step One first if the top leftof the instrument panel and visible you have a concern. through the windshield.) Customer Assistance for Text e Dealership name and location Telephone (TTY) Users e Vehicle deliverydate and present mileage To assist customers who are deaf, hardof hearing, or e Nature of concern speech-impaired andwho use Text Telephones (TTYs), We encourage you to call usso we can give your inquiry Chevrolet/Geo has TTY equipment available its at prompt attention. However, if you wish to write Customer Assistance Center. Any TTY user can Chevrolet/Geo, address your inquiry to: communicate with Chevrolet/Geo by dialing: 1-800-833-CHEV. (TTY users in Canada can dial Chevrolet/Geo 1-800-263-3830.) Customer Assistance Center P.O. Box 7047 Troy, MI 48007-7047 In Canada, write to: General Motorsof Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre,163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 8-4 ChevroletJGeo Roadside Roadside Assistanceis available 24 hoursa day, 365 days a year, by calling 1-800-CHEV-USA Assistance Program (1-800-243-8872). This toll-free number willprovide you over-the-phone roadside assistance with minor n mechanical problems. If your problemcannot be resolved over the phone, our advisors have access to a nationwide network of dealer recommended service providers. Roadside membershipis free, however some services may incurcosts. Roadside offers two levelsof service to the customer, Basic Care and Courtesy” Care: Toll-free number, 1-800-CHEV-USA Free towing for warranty repairs Basic over-the-phone technical advice Available dealer services at reasonable costs (ie., wrecker services, locksmithkey service, glass repair, etc.)
To enhance Chevrolet/Geo’s strong commitment to customer satisfaction, Chevrolet/Geo is excited to announce the establishment of the Chevrolet/Geo Roadside Assistance Center.As the owner of a 1997 ChevroletIGeo, membership in Roadside Assistance is free.
8-5 ROADSIDE Courtesy Rvl Care PROVIDES: Note: Courtesy Care is available to Retail and Retail Lease Customers operating 1997 and newer Chevrolet/Geo 0 Roadside Basic Care services (as outlined above) vehicles for a period of3 years/36,000 miles (60 O00 Plus: km), whichever occurs first.All Courtesy Care services must 0 FREE Non-Warranty Towing (to the closest dealer be pre-arranged by Chevrolet/Geo Roadside or dealer from a legal roadway) Service Management. 0 FREE LocksmitWKey Service (when keys are lost Basic Care and Courtesy Care are not partof or on the road or locked inside) included in the coverage provided by the New Vehicle 0 FREE Flat Tire Service (spare installed on the road) Limited Warranty. Chevrolet/Geo reserves the right to modify or discontinueBasic Care and Courtesy Care 0 FREE Jump Start (at home or on the road) at any time. FREE Fuel Delivery ($5 of fuel delivered on For complete program details,see your Chevrolet/Geo the road) dealer to obtain a Roadside Assistance Center brochure. Chevrolet/Geo offers Courtesy Transportation for The Roadside Assistance Center uses companies that customers needing warranty service. Courtesy will provideyou with quality and priority service. When Transportation will be offered in conjunction with roadside services are required, our advisors will explain the coverage provided by the Bumper to Bumper any payment obligations that may be incurredfor New Vehicle Limited Warranty to eligible purchasers utilizing outside services. of 1997 Chevrolet/Geo passenger car and light duty trucks. (Pleasesee your selling dealer for details.)
8-6 For prompt assistance when calling, please have the Canadian Roadside Assistance following available to give to the advisor: Vehicles purchased in Canada have an extensive 0 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Roadside Assistance program accessiblefrom anywhere 0 License plate number in Canadaor the United States. Please refer to the separate brochure provided by the dealeror call Vehiclecolor 1-800-268-6800 for emergency services. 0 Vehiclelocation Courtesy Transportation 0 Telephone number where youcan be reached Chevrolet/Geo offers Courtesy Transportationfor Vehiclemileage customers needing warranty service. Courtesy Transportation will be offeredin conjunction with the 0 Description of problem coverage providedby the Bumper to Bumper New Please refer to the Roadside Assistance brochure Vehicle Limited Warranty to retail purchasersof inside your owner information portfoliofor full 1997 Chevrolet/Geo passenger cars and light duty program details. trucks (please see your selling dealer for details).
8-7 Courtesy Transportation includes: Some state insurance regulations makeit impractical to 0 One way shuttle ridefor any warranty repair rent vehicles to people under21 years of age. If you are completed during the same day. under 21 and have difficulty renting a vehicle, Chevrolet/Geo will reimburse up to $30/dayfor 0 Up to $30 maximum daily vehicle rental allowance documented transportationyou receive. for any overnight warranty repair up to five days,OR For warranty repairs during the Complete Vehicle 0 Up to $30 maximum daily cab, bus or other Coverage period in theNew Vehicle Limited Warranty, transportation allowance in lieu of rental for any interim transportationmay be available under the overnight warranty repairup to five days, OR Courtesy Transportation Program. Please consult your 0 Up to $10 daily fuel allowance for rides provided by dealer for details. The Roadside Assistance program is another person (i.e., friend, neighbor, etc.) in lieu of available only in the United States and Canada. rental for any overnight warranty repair up tofive days. In Canada, please consult yourGM dealer for Note: All Courtesy Transportation arrangements will information on Courtesy Transportation. be administered by your Chevrolet/Geo dealer service management.Claim amounts should reflect all actual costs. 0 ChevroletlGeo Courtesy Transportation is not part of the Bumper to Bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Chevrolet/Geo reserves the right to make any changes or discontinue Courtesy Transportation at any time without notification. 0 For additional program details, contact your ChevroletlGeo dealer.
8-8 GM Participation in an Alternative BBB AUTO LINE is an out-of-court program administered by the Better Business Bureau system to Dispute Resolution Program settle automotive disputes. This program is available This program is available in all50 states and the free of charge to customers who currently own or lease a District of Columbia. Canadian owners referto your GM vehicle. Warranty and OwnerAssistance Information booklet for If you are not satisfied afterfollowing the Customer information on the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Satisfaction Procedure?you may contactthe BBB using Plan (CAMVAP). General Motors reserves the right to the toll-free telephone number, or write them at the change eligibility limitations andor to discontinue its following address: participation in thisprogram. BBB AUTO LINE Both Chevrolet/Geo and your Chevrolet/Geo dealer are Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc. committed to making sure you are completely satisfied 4200 Wilson Boulevard with your new vehicle. Our experience has shown that, if a Suite 800 situation arises where you feel your concern has not been Arlington? VA 22203- 1804 adequately addressed? the Customer Satisfaction Procedure described earlier in this section is very successful. Telephone: 1-800-955-5100 There may be instances where an impartial third party To file a claim, you will be asked toprovide your name can assist in arriving at a solution todisagreement a and address, your Vehicle Identification Number(VIN) regarding vehicle repairsor interpretation of the New and a statementof the nature of your complaint. Vehicle Limited Warranty. To assist in resolving these Eligibility is limitedby vehicle age and mileage, and disagreements, Chevrolet/Geo voluntarily participates in other factors. BBB AUTO LINE.
8-9 We prefer you utilize the Customer Satisfaction REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS Procedure before you resort to AUTO LINE, but you may contact theBBB at any time.The BBB will attempt TO THE UNITED STATES to resolvethe complaint serving as an intermediary. If GOVERNMENT this mediation is unsuccessful, cn informal hearing will If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could be scheduled where eligible customersmay present their cause a crash or couldcause injury or death, you should case toan impartial third-party arbitrator. immediately inform the National Highway Traffic The arbitrator will make a decision whichyou may Safety Administration (NHTSA),in addition to accept or reject. If you accept the decision,GM will be notifying General Motors. bound by that decision.The entire dispute resolution If NHTSA receives similar complaints,it may open an procedure should ordinarily takeabout 40 days from the investigation, andif it finds that a safety defect exists in time you file a claim until a decision is made. a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy Some state lawsmay require you to use this program campaign. However, NHTSAcannot become involved before filing aclaim with a state-run arbitration program in individual problems betweenyou, your dealer or or in the courts. For further information, contact the General Motors. BBB at 1-800-955-5100 or the Chevrolet/Geo Customer To contact NHTSA,you may either call the Auto Safety Assistance Center at 1-800-222- 1020. Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in the Warranty Information Washington, D.C. area) or write to: Your vehicle comes with a separate warranty booklet NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation that contains detailed warranty information. Washington, D.C. 20590 You can also obtain other informationabout motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.
8-10 REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English) THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write: General Motorsof Canada Limited If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle Customer Communication Centre has a safety defect, youshould immediately notify 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Transport Canada, in addition to notifyingGeneral Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to: Ordering Service and Owner Transport Canada Box 8880 Publicatior - in Canada Ottawa, Ontario K1G 352 aervlce manuals, service bulletins, owner’s manuals and other service literature are availablefor purchase for all REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS current and past modelGeneral Motors vehicles. TO GENERAL MOTORS The toll-free telephone number for ordering information In addition to notifying NHTSA (orTransport Canada) in Canada is 1-800-668-5539. in a situation like this, we certainlyhope you’ll notify us. Please call us at 1-800-222-1020 or write: Chevrolet/Geo Customer Assistance Center P.O. Box 7047 Troy, Michigan 48007-7047
8-11 1997 CHEVROLET/GEO SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION The following publications covering the operation and servicingof your vehicle can be purchased by filling out the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it in with your check, money order, or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.)
CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1997 CHEVROLET/GEO SERVICE MANUALS OWNER’S INFORMATION Service Manuals havethe diagnosis and repair information Owner publications are written directly for Owners and on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes, intended to provide basic operational information about the electrical, steering, body, etc. vehicle. The owner’s manual willinclude the Maintenance RETAIL SELL PRICE:$90.00 Schedule forall models. TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual and UNIT REPAIR MANUAL Warranty Booklet. This manual provides information on unit repair service RETAIL SELL PRICE: $15.00 procedures, adjustmentsand specifications for the Without Portfolio: Owner’sManual only. 1997 GM transmissions,transaxles and transfer cases. RETAIL SELL PRICE:$1 0.00 RETAIL SELL PRICE:$40.00 CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS SERVICE BULLETINS Service Publications areavailable for current and past Service Bulletins give technical service information needed model GM vehicles. To request an order form, please to knowledgeably serviceGeneral Motors cars and trucks. specify year and model nameof the vehicle. Each bulletin contains instructions to assist in the diagnosis and ser :e of your vehicle.
.El MPLETE THE or ~ IER F IM SHOWN ON OR ORDER TOLL FREE:1-800-782-4356
THE FULLUWING PAGE ANb MAIL ‘Iu: Monday-Friday 8:OO AM - 6:OO PMEastern Time : L Hetm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207 For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA-MasterCard-Discover)
& NOTES
8-14 Gem Section 9 Index
Air Bag ...... 1-20 Transaxle Check ...... 7-51 How Does it Restrain ...... 1-24 Transaxle Fluid ...... 6-19 How it Works ...... 1-22 Transaxle Operation ...... 2-13 Location ...... 1-22 Transaxle Park Mechanism Check...... 7-54 Readiness Light ...... 1-2 1.2.47 Servicing ...... 1-25 What Makes it Inflate ...... 1-23 Backing Up While Driving a Trailer ...... 4-36 What Will You See After it Inflates ...... 1-24 Back-up Lamp Bulb Replacement ...... 6-41 When Should it Inflate ...... 1-23 Battery ...... 6-34 Air Cleaner ...... 6- 18 Jump Starting ...... 5-3 Air Conditioning ...... 3-3 Warnings ...... 5-3.5-4 Air Conditioning Refrigerants ...... 6-66 BBB Auto Line ...... 8-9 Alignment and Balance. Tire ...... 6-47 Better Business Bureau Mediation...... 8-9 Antenna ...... 3-19 Blizzard ...... 4-27 Antifreeze ...... 6-24 Brake Anti-Lock Adjustment ...... 6-33 Brake System Active Light ...... 2-50 Fluid ...... 6-30 Brake System Warning Light...... 2.49. 4.7 Master Cylinder ...... 6-30 Brakes ...... 4-7 Parking ...... 2-18 Appearancecare ...... 6-49 PedalTravel ...... 6-33 Appearance Care Materials ...... 6-57 Replacing System Parts ...... 6-34 Arbitration Program ...... 8-9 System Warning Light ...... 2-48 Ashtrays ...... 2-38 Trailer ...... 4-35 Audio Systems ...... 3-6 Transaxle Shift Interlock ...... 2-21. 7-53 Automatic Transaxle Shift Interlock Check...... 7-53 Starting Your Engine ...... 2- 11 Wear ...... 6-32 9-1 Brakes. Anti-Lock ...... 4-7 Child Restraints ...... 1.30.1.31. 1.32. 1.40. 1-46 Braking ...... 4-6 Built-In ...... 1-32 Braking in Emergencies ...... 4-9 Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position...... 1-47 Break.In. New Vehicle ...... 2-9 Securing in the Rear Outside Seat Position ...... 1-45 BTSI ...... 2-21 Securing in the Right Front Seat Position ...... 1-52 BTSI Check ...... 7-53 Top Strap ...... 1-48 Built-In Child Restraint ...... 1-32 Where to Put ...... 1-47 Adjusting the Harness Height ...... 1-34 Cigarette Lighter ...... 2-39 Removing the Child ...... 1-44 Circuit Breakers and Fuses ...... 6-59 Securing ...... 1-40 Cleaner. Air ...... 6-18 Storing ...... 1-45 Cleaning Bulb Replacement ...... 6-35 Aluminum Wheels ...... 6-55 Built-in Child Restraint ...... 6-52 Fabric ...... 6-50 Canadian Roadside Assistance ...... 8-7 Glass Surfaces ...... 6-53 Capacities and Specifications ...... 6-65 Inside of Your Geo ...... 6-49 CarbonMonoxide ...... 2.7.2.22.2.23.4.28.4.34 InstrumentPanel ...... 6-52 Cassette Deck Service ...... 7-50 Leather ...... 6-52 Cassette Tape Player ...... 3.8.3.11 Outside of Your Geo ...... 6-54 Cassette Tape Player Care ...... 3-18 Special Problems ...... 6-51 CD Player Theft-Deterrent Feature ...... 3- 15 Stains ...... 6-51 Center Passenger Position. Rear Seat ...... 1-29 Tires ...... 6-55 Certification Label ...... 4-30 Vinyl ...... 6-51 Chains. Tire ...... 6-48 Windshield and Wiper Blades ...... 6-53 Changing a Flat Tire...... 5-23 Climate Control System ...... 3-2 Charging System Light ...... 2-48 Clock. Setting the ...... 3-6 Check Engine Light ...... 2-51 Clutch Adjustment ...... 6-23 Checking Your RestraintSystems ...... 1-58 Comfort Controls ...... 3-2 ChemicalPaint Spotting ...... 6-56
9-2 CompactDisc Care ...... 3-19 DeadBattery ...... 5-3 Compact Disc Player ...... 3-11 Defects. Reporting Safety ...... 8-10 Compact Spare Tire ...... 5-34 Defensive Driving ...... 4-2 Console Storage Area ...... 2-38 Defogger. Rear Window ...... 3-5 Control of a Vehicle ...... 4-6 Defogging ...... 3-5 Convex Outside Mirror ...... 2-36 Defrosting ...... 3-5 Coolant ...... 6-24 Dimensions.Vehicle ...... 6-66 Recovery Tank ...... 5-16. 5-18 DomeLamps ...... 2-34 Cooling System ...... 5- 15 Door Courtesy Transportation ...... 8.6.8.7 Locks ...... 2-4 Cruise Control ...... 2-28 Storagepocket ...... 2-37 Ending Out of ...... 2-32 Drive Position. Automatic Transaxle ...... 2-15 Erasing 'Speed Memory ...... 2-32 DriverPosition ...... 1-12 Increasing Speed While Using ...... 2-31 Driving Passing Another Vehicle While Using ...... 2-31 City ...... 4-20 Reducing Speed While Using ...... 2-31 Defensive ...... 4-2 Resuming a Set Speed ...... 2-30 Drunken ...... 4-2 Setting ...... 2-29 Freeway ...... 4-21 UsingOnHills ...... 2-32 InaBlizzard ...... 4-27 Cupholder ...... 2-37 In Foreign Countries ...... 6-5 Customer Assistancefor Text Telephone Users...... 8-4 IntheRain ...... 4-17 Customer Assistance Information ...... 8- 1 Night ...... 4-15 Customer Satisfaction Procedure ...... 8-2 On Grades While Towing a Trailer ...... 4-37 On Hill and Mountain Roads ...... 4-23 On Snow and Ice ...... 4-26 Damage Throughwater ...... 4-19 Finish ...... 6-56 WetRoads ...... 4-17 SheetMetal ...... 6-55 Winter ...... 4-25 DaytimeRunning Lamps ...... 2-33 WithaTrailer ...... 4-35 DaytimeRunning Lamps Indicator Light ...... 2-55 DrunkenDriving ...... 4-2 9-3 Electrical Equipment. Adding ...... 2- 12. 3. 18 Filter. Air ...... 6-18 Electrical System ...... 6-58 Finish Care ...... 6-54 Engine ...... 6-10 Finish Damage ...... 6-56 Compartment Fuse Blocks...... 6.61. 6.62 First Gear. Manual Transaxle ...... 2-16 Coolant ...... 6-24 Flashers. Hazard Warning ...... 5-2 Coolant Level Check ...... 7-50 Flash-to-PassFeature ...... 2-26 Coolant Temperature Gage ...... 2-51 Flat Tire. Changing ...... 5-23 Exhaust ...... 2.7.2.22.2.23.4.28. 4.34 Fluid Capacities ...... 6-65 Identification ...... 6-58 Fluid Level Check ...... 7-51 Oil Level Check ...... 7-50 Fluids and Lubricants ...... 7-56 Overheating ...... 5-13 Folding Rear Seatback ...... 1-4 Runningwhile Parked ...... 2-23 Foreign Countries. Fuel ...... 6-5 Starting Your ...... 2- 11 Fourth Gear. Manual Transaxle ...... 2-17.. Engineoil ...... 6-12 FrenchLanguageManual ...... 11 Adding ...... 6- 13 Front Sidemarker Lamp Bulb Replacement...... 6-37 Additives ...... 6-17 FrontTowing ...... 5-9 Checking ...... 6-13 Front Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement ...... 6-37 Pressure Light ...... 2-54 Fuel ...... 6-3 Used ...... 6- 17 Canada ...... 6-3 What Kind to Use ...... 6.14.6.15. 6.16 Filling Your Tank ...... 6-5 Whentochange ...... 6-17 Gage ...... 2-56 Ethanol ...... 6-4 In Foreign Countries ...... 6-5 Exhaust. Engine ...... 2.7.2.22.2.23.4.28. 4.34 Remote Door Release ...... 6-6 Fuses and Circuit Breakers ...... 6-59 Fabric Cleaning ...... 6-50 Fabric Protection ...... 6-50 Gages Fifth Gear. Manual Transaxle ...... 2-17 Engine Coolant Temperature ...... 2-51 FillingYourTank ...... 6-6 Fuel ...... 2-56
9-4 GAWR ...... 4-30 Ignition Positions ...... 2-9 Gear Positions. Manual Transaxle...... 2- 16 Ignition Transaxle Lock Check ...... 7-53 Glove Box ...... 2-37 Inflation. Tire ...... 6-42 Gross Axle Weight Rating ...... 4-30 Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror ...... 2-35 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ...... 4-30.. Inspections ...... 7-55 G uide en Francpis en Guide ...... 11 BrakeSystem ...... 7-55 GVWR ...... 4-30 ExhaustSystems ...... 7-55 Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Boot ...... 7-55 Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Seal ...... 7-55 Halogen Bulbs ...... 6-35 Radiator and Heater Hose ...... 7-55 Hazard Warning Flashers ...... 5-2 Steering ...... 7-55 HeadRestraints ...... 1-4 Suspension ...... 7-55 Headlamps ...... 2-32 Throttle Linkage ...... 7-55 Bulb Replacement ...... 6-35 Instrumentpanel ...... 2-42 High/Low Beam Changer ...... 2-26 Brightness Control ...... 2-34 OnReminder ...... 2-33 Cleaning ...... 6-52 Hearing Impaired. Customer Assistance ...... 8-4 Fuse Block ...... 6-60 Heating ...... 3-3 Optional Cluster ...... 2-45 High-Beam Headlamps ...... 2-26 Standard Cluster ...... 2-44 Highway Hypnosis ...... 4-23 InteriorLamps ...... 2-34 Hill and Mountain Roads ...... 4-23 Hitches. Trailer ...... 4-34 Hood Jack.Tire ...... 5-25 Checking Things Under ...... 6-8 Jump Starting ...... 5-3 Latch Operation Check ...... 7-50 Prop ...... 6-9 Release ...... 6-8 KeyLock Cylinders Service . , ... 7-52 Horn ...... 2-24 Keys ...... 2.1.2.2 Hydroplaning ...... 4-19 Kick Panel Fuse Block...... 6-63
9-5 Labels Locks ...... 2-4 Certification ...... 4-30 Cylinder ...... 7-52 Service Parts Identification ...... 6-58 Door ...... 2-4 Tire-Loading Information ...... 4-29 Ignition Transaxle Lock Check ...... 7-53 Vehicle Identification Number ...... 6-58 . Key Lock Cylinder Service ...... 7-52 Lamps ...... 2-32 PowerDoor ...... 2-5 Daytime Running ...... 2-33 RearDoorSecurity ...... 2-5 Dome ...... 2-34 Remote Trunk Release ...... 2-8 Exterior ...... 2-32 Trunk Release ...... 2-7 Interior ...... 2-34 Low Gear, Automatic Transaxle ...... 2-15 On Reminder ...... 2-33 Lubricants and Fluids...... 7-56 Reading ...... 2-34 LubricationService, Body ...... 7-52 Leaving Your Vehicle ...... 2-6 Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running ...... 2-21 Lighter ...... 2-39 Maintenance. NOITIA Replacement parts ...... 6-65 Lights MaintenanceRecord ...... 7-58 Air Bag Readiness ...... 1- 18. 2-45 Maintenance Schedule ...... 7-1 Anti-Lock Brake System Active ...... 2-50 Long Trip/Highway Definition ...... 7-6 Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...... 2-49, 4-7 LongTrip/Highway Intervals ...... 7-7.7-37 Brake System Warning ...... 2-48 Owner Checks and Services...... 7-50 Charging System ...... 2-48 Periodic Maintenance Inspections ...... 7-55 CheckEngine ...... 2-51 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ...... 7-56 Daytime Running Lamps Indicator ...... 2-55 Scheduled Maintenance Services...... 7-4 Engine Oil Pressure Light ...... 2-54 Short Trip/City Definition ...... 7-5 Overdriveoff ...... 2-55 Short Trip/City Intervals ...... 7-6. 7-8 Rear Window Defogger ...... 2-55 Maintenance. Underbody ...... 6-56 Safety Belt Reminder ...... 1-7, 2-47 Making Turns While Driving a Trailer ...... 4-36 Loading Your Vehicle ...... 4-29 Malfunction Indicator Lamp ...... 2-51 Lock-Out Switch ...... 2-24 ManualSeatFront ...... 1-2 Manual Mirror ...... 2-36
9-6 Manual Transaxle ...... 2-1 1. 2.16 Overheating Engine ...... 5- 13 Fluid ...... 6-22 Owner Checks and Services...... 7-50 Operation ...... 2-16 Owner Publications. Ordering ...... 8-11 . 8-12 Shift Speeds ...... 2-17 Shifting ...... 2-16 Starting Your Engine ...... 2- 11 Paint Spotting. Chemical ...... 6-56 Methanol ...... 6-4 Park Mirrors ...... 2-35 Automatic Transaxle ...... 2-13 Convex Outside ...... 2-36 ShiftingInto ...... 2-20 Inside Daymight Rearview ...... 2-35 Shifting Out of ...... 2-21 Manual ...... 2-36 Parking Power Remote Control ...... 2-36 AtNight ...... 2-8 Visorvanity ...... 2-39 Brake ...... 2-18 MMT ...... 6-4 Brake Mechanism Check ...... 7-54 MountainRoads ...... 4-23 Lamp Bulb Replacement ...... 6-35 OnHillswithaTrailer ...... 4-37 OverThingsThatBurn ...... 2-22 Neutral. Automatic Transaxle ...... 2-14 Your Vehicle, Manual Transaxle ...... 2-21 Neutral. Manual Transaxle ...... 2-17 Parking Lamp Bulb Replacement ...... 6-37 New Vehicle Break-In ...... 2-9 Passing ...... 4-12 Nightvision ...... 4-16 Passing While Drivinga Trailer ...... 4-36 Periodic Maintenance Inspections ...... 7-55 Power Odometer ...... 2-46 DoorLocks ...... 2-5 Odometer, Trip ...... 2-46Remote Control Mirrors ...... 2-36 Off-RoadRecovery ...... Steering4-12 ...... 4-10 Oil, Engine ...... 6-12Steering Fluid ...... 6-27 Oil Pressure Light ...... Windows2-54 ...... 2-24 OutsidePassenger Positions. Rear Seat ...... 1-26Pregnancy. Use of SafetyBelts ...... 1-19 Overdrive. Automatic Transaxle ...... 2- 16 Problems on the Road ...... 5-1 Overdrive Off Light ...... 2-55 Publications. Service and Owner ...... 8-1 1. 8-12 Radiator ...... 5-20 Replacement Radiator Pressure Cap ...... 5-20 . 6-27 Bulbs ...... 6-64 Radio Reception ...... 3 .17 Parts ...... 6-65 Radios ...... 3.7.3.8.3.11 Wheel ...... 6-47 Rain. Driving In ...... 4- 17 Replacing Safety Belts ...... 1-59 ReadingLamps ...... 2-34 Reporting Safety Defects ...... 8-10 Rear Restraints Center Passenger Positions ...... 1-29 Built-In Child ...... 1-32 Combination Lamp Bulb Replacement ...... 6-39 Checking ...... 1-58 Door Security Locks ...... 2-5 Child ...... 1-30. 1-31. 1-32.1-40. 1-46 Parking Lamp Bulb Replacement ...... 6-37 Head ...... 1-4 Seat Outside Passenger Positions...... 1-26 Replacing Parts After a Crash ...... 1-59 Seatpassengers ...... 1-26 System Check ...... 7-51 Towing ...... 5- 11 Reverse. Automatic Transaxle ...... 2-14 Window Defogger ...... 3-5 Reverse. Manual Transaxle ...... 2-17 WindowDefogger Light ...... 2-55 Right Front Passenger Position ...... 1-20 Rearview Mirror Roadside Assistance ...... 8-5 Convex Outside ...... 2-36 Roadside Assistance. Canadian ...... 8-7 Inside Daymight ...... 2-35 Rocking Your Vehicle ...... 5-36 ManualAdjust ...... 2-36 Rotation. Tire ...... 6-43 Power Remote Control ...... 2-36 Reclining Front Seatbacks ...... 1-3 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ...... 7-56 Safety Belt Extender ...... 1-58 RecoveryHooks ...... 5-36 Safety Belts ...... 1-6 Recovery Tank. Coolant ...... 5.16. 5.18 Adults ...... 1-11 Refrigerants. Air Conditioning ...... 6-66 Care ...... 6-52 Remote Children ...... 1-30. 1-31. 1.32.1.40. 1-46 Fuel Door Release ...... 6-6 Driver Position ...... 1. 12 Fuel Door Release Lever ...... 6-6 Extender ...... 1-54 Trunk Lock Release ...... 2-8 9-8 How to Wear Properly ...... 1. 11 Second Gear. Automatic Transaxle ...... 2-15 IncorrectUsage ...... 1.15.1.56.1.57 Second Gear. Manual Transaxle ...... 2-17 Lap Belt ...... 1-27 Service ...... 6-2 Lap-Shoulder ...... 1 . 12. 1-24 Bulletins. Ordering ...... 8-1 1. 8-12 LargerChildren ...... 1-55 Manuals. Ordering ...... 8-1 1. 8-12 Questions and Answers ...... 1-10 Parts Identification Label ...... 6-58 Rear Seat Passengers ...... 1-26 Publications. Ordering ...... 8- 11. 8- 12 Reminder Light ...... 1.6.2.45 Work. Doing Your Own ...... 6-2 Replacing After a Crash ...... 1-59 Service and Appearance Care ...... 6-1 Right Front Passenger Position ...... 1-23 Service and Owner Publications ...... 8- 11. 8- 12 Smaller Children and Babies 1.30.1.31. 1.32. 1.40. 1-46 Service Publications ...... 8- 11. 8- 12 Use During Pregnancy ...... 1-23 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Geo ...... 1-25 WhyTheyWork ...... 1-7 Sheet Metal Damage ...... 6-55 Safety Chains ...... 4-35 Shift Lever ...... 2-13. 2-16 Safety Defects. Reporting ...... 8- 10... Shiftspeeds ...... 2-17 Safety Warnings and Symbols ...... 111 Shifting Scheduled Maintenance Services...... 7-4 Into Park (P) ...... 2-20 Seat Operation Check ...... 7-52 Out of Park (P) ...... 2-21 Seatback Shifting. Manual Transaxle ...... 2-16 RearFolding ...... 1-4 SignalingTurns ...... 2-26 RecliningFront ...... 1-3 Skidding ...... 4-14 Seats Sound Equipment. Adding...... 2-12.3-18. 6-58 Controls ...... 1-2 Spare Tire. Compact ...... 5-34 Folding Rear Seatback ...... 1-4 Specifications and Capacities ...... 6-65 Manual Front ...... 1-2 Specifications. Engine ...... 6-64 Removing a Child from the Built-in Child Restraint. . 1-44 Speech Impaired. Customer Assistance...... 8-4 Restraint Systems ...... 1. 1 Speedometer ...... 2-46 Securing a Child in the Built-in Child Restraint..... 1-40 Stains. Cleaning ...... 6-51 Securing a Child Restraint ...... 1.48. 1-5 1. 1.52 Starter Switch Check ...... 7-52 Storing the Built-in Child Restraint...... 1-45 Starting Your Engine ...... 2-11 9-9 Steam ...... 5-13 Compact Spare ...... 5-34 Steering ...... 4- 10 Inflation ...... 6-42 In Emergencies ...... 4- 11 Inflation Check ...... 7-50 Power ...... 4-10 Inspection and Rotation ...... 6-43 Tips ...... 4-10 Loading ...... 4-29 Storage Compartments ...... 2-37 Pressure ...... 6-42 Storage. Vehicle ...... 6-34 Temperature ...... 6-46 Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow ...... 5-35 Traction ...... 6-46 SunVisors ...... 2-39 Treadwear ...... 6-46 Sunroof ...... 2-40 Uniform Quality Grading ...... 6-45 Symbols. Vehicle ...... v WearIndicators ...... 6-44 Wheel Replacement ...... 6-47 When It’s Time for New ...... 6-44 Tachometer ...... 2-46 TopStrap ...... 1-48 TapePlayerCare ...... 3-18 Torque. Wheel Nut ...... 5-32. 6-65 Theft ...... 2-8 Towing a Trailer ...... 4-31 Theft-Deterrent Feature. CD Player ...... 3- 15 Towing Your Vehicle ...... 5-7 Thermostat ...... 6-27 Trailer Third Gear. Manual Transaxle ...... 2- 17 Backingup ...... 4-36 TiltWheel ...... 2-25 Brakes ...... 4-35 Time. Setting the ...... 3-6 Driving on Grades ...... 4-37 Tire Chains ...... 6-48 Drivingwith ...... 4-35 TireLoading ...... 4-29 FollowingDistance ...... 4-36 Tire-Loading Information Label ...... 4-29 Hitches ...... 4-34 Tires ...... 6-41 MaintenanceWhen Towing ...... 4-38 Alignment and Balance ...... 6-47 Making Turns . : ...... 4-36 BuyingNew ...... 6-45 ParkingonHills ...... 4-37 Chains ...... 6-48 Passing ...... 4-36 ChangingaFlat ...... 5-23 Safety Chains ...... 4-35 Cleaning ...... 6-55 Tongueweight ...... 4-33 9-10 Total Weight on Tires ...... 4-34 Ventilation System ...... 3-4 Towing ...... 4-31 Visor Vanity Mirrors ...... 2-39 Turnsignals ...... 4-37 Visors. Sun ...... 2-39 Weight ...... 4-33 Transaxle ...... 2-11 Transaxle Fluid warning Devices ...... 5-3 Automatic ...... 6- 19 Warning Lights. Gages and Indicators ...... 2-46 Manual ...... 6-22 Warranty Information ...... 8-10 Transportation. Courtesy ...... 8.6.8.7 Washer Fluid. Windshield ...... 2-28. 6.29.7.50 Trip Odometer ...... 2-46 Washing Your Vehicle ...... 6-54 Trunk ...... 2-7 Weatherstrips ...... 6-53 LockRelease ...... 2-7 Weight of the Trailer ...... 4-33 Remote Lock Release ...... 2-8 Weight of the Trailer Tongue ...... 4-33 TTYUsers ...... 8-4 Wheel Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals...... 2-26 Alignment ...... 6-47 Turn Signalhhltifunction Lever ...... 2-25 Nut Torque ...... 5.32.6.65 Turn Signals While Towing a Trailer...... 4-37 Replacement ...... 6-47 Tilt ...... 2-25 Wrench ...... 5-25 Underbody Flushing Service ...... 7-54 Windows UnderbodyMaintenance ...... 6-56 Manual ...... 2-24 Power ...... 2-24 WindshieldWasher ...... 2-28 Vehicle Fluid ...... 2-28,6-29,7-57. Control ...... 4-6 Fluid Level Check ...... 7-50 DamageWarnings ...... iv WindshieldWiper ...... 2-27 Dimensions ...... 6-66 Fuses ...... 6-59 Identification Number ...... 6-58 Winter Driving ...... 4-25 Loading ...... 4-29 WreckerTowing ...... 5-7 Storage ...... 6-34 Wrench, Wheel ...... 5-25
. 9.11 Service Station Checkpoints
TIRES P6-41
HOOD PROP I I I I SECONDARY HOOD RELEASE P6-8
\ FUEL ENGINE COOLANT DOOR RECOVERY TANK P6-6 P5-17 BATTERY REMOTE FUEL P5-3.6-34 DOOR RELEASE P6-6 For detailed information, refer to the page number listed,or see the Index in the backof the owner's manual.
9-12 mlENVIRONMENTAL