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...... i . 1993 Owner’s Manual Prizrn Table of Contents Welcome to Geo

Introduction HOWto Use This Manual . . . . m 41 Part 1 Seats & Safety Belts...... 11 I Part 2 Features & Controls ...... 47 I Part 3 Comfort Controls & Audio Systems . . .99 1 Part 4 Your Drivingand the Road...... 127 I Part 5 Problems on theRoad ...... 181 I Part 6 Service & AppearanceCare ...... 211 1 Part 7 Maintenance Schedule ...... 267 I Part 8 CustomerAssistance Information ....293 I Including “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 298. Part 9 Index ...... 31 1 Service Station Information . . .Last Page Printed in U.S.A. Please keep this manual in your Geo, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the product after that time without further notice.

Published by Chevrolet/Geo General Motors, GM and the GM emblem, General Motors Corporation Chevrolet and the Chevrolet emblem, Geo and the Geo emblem, are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation.

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

World-class vehicles for the world-wise vehicle buyer. Feature by feature, every Geo shows that quality, value and technology can exist hand-in-hand with affordability. And Geo adds something special to vehicle ownership - fun. There’s a Geo out there for everyone. It could be the economical Geo Metro or the sporty Geo Storm. Maybe the five-passenger Geo flagship, Prizm, or the adventurous off-roader, Geo Tracker. No matter what Geo you drive, you’ll find designed-in comfort and owner enjoyment in detail after careful detail. Geo’s are savvy vehicles that answer the needs of the road and - with Tracker - even the off-road. Sold and serviced by thousands of Chevrolet/Geo dealers, Geo is earning its stripes as a serious contender in today’s value-conscious marketplace. We know your ownership experience will be a rewarding one. Welcome to the world of Geo.

Jim Perkins General Manager How to Use This Manual

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

These mean there is something A that could hurt you or other people.

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

These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle.

Vehic/e Damage Warnings You will also find a red circle with a 41~0,in this book you will find these When you read other manuals, you slash through it in this book. This safety blue notices: might see CAUTION and NOTICE symbol means “Don’t,” “Don’t do n the blue notice area, we tell you warnings in different colors or in this,” or “Don’t let this happen.” ,bout something that can damage your different words. In this manual, we’ve ,chicle. Many times, this damage would used the familiar words and colors that lot be covered by your warranty, and it Geo has used for years. :odd be costly. But the notice will tell You’ll also see warning labels on your ‘ou what to do to help avoid the vehicle. They use the same colors, and lamage. the words CAUTION or NOTICE. Vehicle Qmbols These are some of the symbols you will These symbols are important for you These symbols have to do with your find on your vehicle. For example, these and your passengers whenever your lights: symbols are used on an original battery: vehicle is driven:

Caution Possible Injury Fasten Safety Belts Master Lighting Switch

Protect Eyes by Shielding Turn Signal Direction

Caustic Battery Acid Hazard Warning Flasher Could Cause Burns A Headlight High Beam Avoid Sparks or Flames

Sparks or Flame Could Brightness Control Explode Battery 7.m. How to Use This Manual

'These symbols are on some of your controls:

Ventilating Fan Windshield Wiper and Windshield Defroster Washer w

Windshield Washer Rear Window Defogger These symbols are used on warning and Here are some other symbols you may , indicator lights: see: Engine Coolant Fuse Trunk Release Temperature Battery Charging Lighter t System m Hood Release

Fuel Door Ajar

Engine Oil Pressure Speaker Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine Electrical System) g... Notes

===lo Part 1 Seats & Safety Belts

Here you^ find information Seatsand Seat Controls ...... 12 about the seats in your Geo and Safety Belts: They're for Everyone ...... 15 how to use your safety belts Why Safety Belts Work ...... 16 properly. You can also learn Here are Questions Many People Ask about about some things you should Safety Belts - and the Answers ...... 19 not do with safety belts Safety Belt Reminder Light ...... 20 . How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ...... 20 Children ...... -34 Child Restraints...... 35 Larger Children...... 42 Safety Belt Extender...... 44 Checking Your Restraint Systems ...... 44 ReplacingSafety Belts after a Crash ...... 45 Seats & Safety Belts

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rn Seats and Seat Controls Manual Front Seat Move the lever under the front seat to This section tells you about the seats - unlock it. Slide the seat to where you how to adjust them, and also about CA UTlON want it. Then release the lever and try reclining front seatbacks, head restraints to move the seat with your body, to and rear folding seatbacks. You can lose control of the make sure the seat is locked into place. A vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver's seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you don't want to. Adjust the driver's seat only when the vehicle is not moving. I

Reclining Front Seatbacks To adjust the seatback, lift the lever on the outer side of the seat. Release the Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be lever to lock the seatback where you A dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job want it. Pull up on the lever and the seat when you’re reclined like this. will go to its original upright position. The shoulder belt can’t do its job because it won’t be against your body. But don’t have a seatback reclined if Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash you could go into it, receiving your vehicle is moving. neck or other injuries. The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly. Seats & Safety Belts

I Head Restraints Rear Folding Seatback Slide the head restraint up or down so You can fold either side of the seatback 2. Fold the seatback down. that the top of the restraint is closest to down in your Geo for more cargo space. To raise the seatback: the top of your ears. This position To fold either seatback down: reduces the chance of a neck injury in a 1. Pull the seatback up and push it back crash. 1. Push the button on the side of the to lock it into place. seatback while you pull down on the 2. Be sure sides of the seatback are Pull up to raise the restraint. To lower seatback. it, push the release button and push latched. Push and pull the top of the down. seatback to be sure it is locked in position. Safety Belts: mey’re for Everyone This figure lights up when you turn the This part of the manual tells you how to Don’t let anyom ride where key to ON or START when your safety use safety belts properly. It also tells they can’t wear a safety belt belt isn’t buckled, and you’ll hear a you some things you should not do with properly. If you are in a crash and buzzer, too. It’s the reminder to buckle safety belts. you’re not wearing a safety belt, UP- And it explains the Supplemental your injuries can be much worse. In many states and Canadian provinces, Restraint System, or “air bag” system. You can hit things inside the the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s vehicle or be ejected from it. You why: They work. can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety ‘belt, and check that your passengers’ belts are fastened properly too.

15- Seats & Safety Belts

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rn Why Safety Belts Work You never know if you’ll be in a crash. When you ride in or on anything, you When the bike hits the block, it stops. If you do have a crash, you don’t know go as fast as it goes. But the child keeps going! if it will be a bad one. For example, if the bike is going A few crashes are very mild. In them, 10 mph (16 km/h), so is the child. you won’t get hurt even if you’re not buckled up. And some crashes can be so serious, like being hit by a train, that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could be badly hurt or killed. After 25 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter . . . a lot!

9 9 9 18 Take the simplest “car.” Suppose it’s Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the “car. 97 just a seat on wheels. The rider doesn’t stop. Seats & Safety Belts

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The person keeps going until stopped by or the instrument panel . . . or the safety belts! something. With safety belts, you slow down as the In a real vehicle, it could be the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. windshield , . . You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense. Here Are Questions Many People Ask about Q: Why don’t they just put in air Q: If I’m a good driver, and I never bags so people won’t have to wear drive far from home, why should I Safety Belts - and the safety belts? wear safety belts?

Answers A: ‘‘Air bags, ” or Supplemental A: You may be an excellent driver, but Q: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle Restraint Systems, are in some if you’re in an accident - even one after an accident if I’m wearing a vehicles today and will be in more that isn’t your fault - you and your safety belt? of them in the future. But they are passengers can be hurt. Being a A: You could be - whether you’re supplemental systems only - so good driver doesn’t protect you wearing a safety belt or not. But you they’work with safety belts, not from things beyond your control, can easily unbuckle a safety belt, instead of them. Every “air bag’’ such as bad drivers. even if you’re upside down. And system ever offered for sale has Most accidents occur within 25 your chance of being conscious required the use of safety belts. miles (40 km) of home. And the during and after an accident, so you Even if you’re in a vehicle that has greatest number of serious injuries can unbuckle and get out, is much “air bags, ” you still have to buckle and deaths occur at speeds of less greater if you are belted. up to get the most protection. That’s than 40 mph (65 km/h). true not only in frontal collisions, Safety belts are for everyone. but especially in side and other collisions. 19--- Seats & Safety Belts

L -fety Belt Remindel How to Wear Safety Light Belts Properly First, you’ll want to know which restraint system your vehicle has. When the key is turned to ON or Adults START, a buzzer will come on for This section is only for people of adult We’ll start with the driver position. about eight seconds to remind people to size. fasten their safety belts, unless the Driver Position This section describes the driver’s driver’s safety belt is buckled. CAUTION This light will also come on and stay on 1 I restraint system. until the driver’s safety belt is buckled. There are special things to A know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for babies and smaller children. If a child will be riding in your Geo, see the section after this one, called “Children. ” Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. Lap-Shoulder Belt 3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the 5. To make the lap part tight, pull down The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. belt across you. Don’t let it get on the buckle end of the belt as you Here’s how to wear it properly. twisted. pull up on the shoulder belt. 1. Close and lock the door. 4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. 2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see “Seats” in the Index) so you can sit If the safety belt isn’t long enough, up straight. see “Safety Belt Extender’’ at the end of this part. Make sure the release button on the buckle faces upward or outward so you would be able to unbuckle it quickly if you ever had to. Seats & Safety Belts

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The lap part of the belt should be worn Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster To move it up or down, squeeze the low and snug on the hips, just touching You can move the shoulder belt adjuster release handle. When you release the the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the height that is right for you. handle, try to move it down a little to to the strong pelvic bones. And you'd be make sure it has locked into position. less likely to slide under the lap belt. If You can move the adjuster up from a you slid under it, the belt would apply lower position by pushing the bottom of force at your abdomen. This could cause the release handle. serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locks if there's a sudden stop or crash. L

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Adjust the height so that the shoulder Q: What’s wrong with this? Q: What’s wrong with this? portion of the belt is properly positioned A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It A: The belt is buckled in the wrong on your shoulder, away from your face won’t give nearly as much place. and neck. protection this way. To help you find a height that is right for you, follow these guidelines: You can be seriously injured For a tall person: Use the upper or You can be seriously hurt if A if your belt is buckled in the upper-middle position. your shoulder belt is too wrong place like this. In a crash, For a person of average height: Use a aloose. In a crash you would move the belt would go up over your position somewhere in the middle. forward too much, which could abdomen. The belt forces would be For a short person: Use the lower or increase injury. The shoulder belt there, not at the pelvic bones. This lower-middle position, should fit against your body. could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearestyou. Seats & Safety Belts

Q: What's wrong with this? Q: What's wrong with this? To unlatch the belt, just push the button A: The shoulder belt is worn under the A: The belt is twisted across the body. on the buckle. The belt should go back arm. It should be worn over the out of the way. shoulder at all times. Before you close the door, be sure the A a. CAUTION I bHU1 lU1V I belt is out of the way. If you slam the You can be seriously injured door on it, you can damage both the belt You can be seriously injured A by a twisted belt. In a crash, and your vehicle. A if you wear the shoulder belt you wouldn't have the full width under your arm. In a crash, your of the belt to spread impact forces. body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance If a belt is twisted, make it straight of head and neck injury. Also, the so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it. belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which aren't as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen. Seats & Safety Belts

The Supplemenfal Resftainf Sysfem (Air Bag) This section explains the driver’s Even with an air bag, if Air bags inflate with great Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) A you’re not wearing a safety A force, faster than the blink of system, commonly referred to as an air belt and you’re in a crash, your an eye. If you’re too close to an bag. Here are the most important things injuries may be much worse. Air inflating air bag, it could seriously to know: bags are not designed to inflate in injure you. Safety belts help keep rollovers or in rear, side or you in position for an air bag low-speed frontal crashes. You inflation in a crash. Always wear need to wear your safety belt to your safety belt, even with an air reduce the chance of hitting things bag, and sit as far back as you can inside the vehicle or being ejected while still maintaining control of from it. Always wear your safety your vehicle. belt, even with an air bag. Seats & Safety Belts

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CA UTlON Air Bag System Light How the Air Bag System Works There is an air bag readiness light on If the air bag readiness light Where is the air bag? the instrument panel which shows AIR A doesn't come on when you The driver's air bag is in the middle of BAG. The system checks itself and the start your vehicle, or stays on, or the steering wheel. light tells you if there is a problem. comes on when you are driving, your air bag system may not work You will see this light flash for a few properly. Have your vehicle seconds when you turn your ignition to serviced right away. ACC, ON or START. Then the light should go out, which means the system is ready. I

When is the air bag expected to on impact. The air bag is also not What makes an air bag inflate? inflate? designed to inflate in rollovers, side In a frontal impact of sufficient severity, The air bag is designed to inflate in impacts, or rear impacts where the sensors strategically located on the moderate to severe frontal or inflation would provide no occupant vehicle detect that the vehicle is near-frontal crashes. The air bag will protection benefit. suddenly stopping as a result of a crash. only inflate if the velocity of the impact In any particular crash, the These sensors complete an electrical is above the designed threshold level. determination of whether theair bag circuit, triggering a chemical reaction of When impacting straight into a wall that should have inflated cannot be based the sodium azide sealed in the inflator. does not move or deform, the threshold solely on the level of damage on the The reaction produces nitrogen gas, level for most GM vehicles is between 9 vehicle(s). Inflation is determined by the which inflates the cloth bag. The and 14 mph. However, this velocity angle of the impact and the vehicle’s inflator, cloth bag, and related hardware threshold depends on the vehicle design deceleration, of which vehicle damage is are all part of the air bag inflator and may be several miles-per-hour faster only one indication. Repair cost is not a module packed inside the steering or slower. In addition, this threshold good indicator of whether an air bag wheel. velocity will be considerably higher if should have deployed. the vehicle strikes an object such as a parked car which will move and deform Seats & Safety Belts

How does an air bag restrain? occupant’s motion is not toward the air What will you see after an air bag In moderate to severe frontal or bag, Air bags should never be regarded inflation? near-frontal collisions, even belted as anything more than a supplement to After the air bag has inflated, it will occupants can contact the steering safety belt protection in moderate to then quickly deflate. This occurs so wheel. The air bag supplements the severe frontal and near-frontal quickly that some people may not even protection provided by safety belts. Air collisions. realize that the air bag inflated. The air bags distribute the force of the impact bag will not impede the driver’s vision more evenly over the occupant’s upper or ability to steer the vehicle, nor will it body, stopping the occupant more hinder the occupants from exiting the gradually. But air bags would not vehicle. There will be small amounts of provide protection in many types of smoke coming from vents in the deflated collisions, including rollovers and rear air bag. Some components of the air bag and side impacts, primarily because an module in the steering wheel hub may CAU l/ON Don’t attach anything to the A steeringwheel pad. It might injure the driver if the air bag inflates. I The air bag is designed to inflate be hot for a short time, but the portion only once. After it inflates, Servicing Your Geo with the Air Bag- of the bag that comes into contact with you’ll need some new parts for System your air bag system. If you you will not be hot to the touch. The Please tell or remind anyone who works nitrogen gas used to inflate the bag will don’t get them, the air bag system won’t be there to help on your Geo that it has the air bag have vented into the passenger system. There are parts of the air bag compartment, and the bag will be protect you in another crash. A new system will include the air system in several places around your deflated within seconds after the vehicle. You don’t want the system to collision. Nitrogen makes up about 80% bag module and possibly other parts. The service manual has inflate while someone is working on of the air we breathe and is not your vehicle. The air bag system does hazardous. As the nitrogen vents from information about the need to replace other parts. not need regular maintenance. Your Geo the bag, small particles are also vented dealerand the 1993 Prizm Service - into the passenger compartment. Let only qualified technicians Manual have information about the air work on your air bag system. bag system’, including repair or disposal. 1mproP;er service can mean that your air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for service. Seats & Safety Belts

But if the ignition has to be on for When the work is complete, if the air For up to 60 seconds after the electrical work, or if the steering bag system was disconnected, be sure to ignition key is turned off and column is to be disassembled, the air reattach everything and replace the fuse the battery disconnected, an air bag system must be disconnected. To do before turning the ignition to ACC, ON bag can still inflate during this: or START. When you turn the ignition improper service. You can be Turn off the ignition. key to ACC, ON or START be sure injured if you are close to air you see the air bag readiness light on an Remove the SRS (air bag) fuse (see bag when it inflates. Be sure to the instrument panel. If you don’t see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the follow the proper service this light flash and then go out as usual, procedures. Index). have your air bag system repaired. Remove both the CIG fuse and the IGN fuse, which are connected to the When electrical work is done under the SRS (air bag) system (see “Fuses and hood or inside your vehicle, the ignition Circuit Breakers’’ in the Index). should be in LOCK if possible. Avoid wires wrapped with yellow tape, Disconnect the yellow connector at the base of the steering column. or yellow connectors. They are probably part of the air bag system.

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Safety Belt Use during Passenger Positions Pregnancy Right Front Passenger Position Rear Seat Passengers Safety belts work for everyone, The right front passenger’s safety belt It’s very important for rear seat including pregnant women. Like all works the same way as the driver’s passengers to buckle up! Accident occupants, they are more likely to be safety belt. See “Driver Position,” statistics show that unbelted people in seriously injured if they don’t wear earlier in this part. the rear seat are hurt more often in safety belts. crashes than those who are wearing A pregnant woman should wear a safety belts. lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted should be worn as low as possible can be thrown out of the vehicle in a throughout the pregnancy. crash. And they can strike others in the The best way to protect the fetus is to vehicle who are wearing safety belts. protect the mother. When a safety belt is Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions worn properly, it’s more likely that the The positions next to windows have fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For lap-shoulder belts. Here’s how to wear pregnant women, as for anyone, the key one properly. to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly. Seats & Safety Belts

1 Pick up the latch plate and pull the 3. To make the lap part tight, pull down The lap part of the belt should be worn belt across you. Don’t let it get on the buckle end of the belt as you low and snug on the hips, just touching twisted. pull up on the shoulder part. the thighs. In a crash, this applies force 2. Push the latch plate into the buckle to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be until it clicks. less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply If the belt is not long enough, see force at your abdomen. This could cause “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of serious or even fatal injuries. The this part. Make sure the release shoulder belt should go over the button on the buckle faces upward or shoulder and across the chest. These outward so you would be able to parts of the body are best able to take unbuckle it quickly if you ever had belt restrainingforces. belt 4 to: The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or a crash. Center Passenger Position When you sit in a center seating You can be seriously hurt if If your vehicle has a rear bench seat, position, you have a lap safety belt, which has no retractor. To make the belt your shoulder belt is too someone can sit in the center position. A longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it loose. a crash you would move In along the belt. forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. Seats & Safety Belts

/ Smaller Children and Babies

IChildren Smaller children and babies ro make the belt shorter, pull its free Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! A should always be restrained in !nd as shown until the belt is snug. That includes infants and all children a child or infant restraint. The instructions for the restraint will hckle, position and release it the same smaller than adult size. In fact, the law in every state and Canadian province say whether it is the right type and vay as the lap part of a lap-shoulder size for your child. A very young lelt. If the belt isn’t long enough, see says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle. child’s hip bones are so small that ‘Safety Belt Extender” at the end of a regular belt might not stay low his part. on the hips, as it should. Instead, dake sure the release button on the the belt will likely be over the dele faces upward or outward so you child’s abdomen. In a crash the vould be able to unbuckle it quickly if belt would apply force right on the ‘ou ever had to. child’s abdomen, which could cause serious or fatal injuries. So, be sure that any child small enough for one is always properly restrained in a child or infant restraint.

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i Child Restraints I LAUI IWIV Be sure to follow the instructions for the Never holda baby in yourarms while riding ina vehicle. A baby doesn't restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a A weigh much- until a crash. During a crash a baby will becomeso heavy you can't hold it.For example, ina crash at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-pound booklet, or both. These restraints use (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-pound(1 10 kg) force on yourarms. the belt system in your vehicle, but the The baby wouldbe almost impossibleto hold. child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of I Secure the baby inan infant restraint. personal injury. The instructions that come with the infant or child restraint will show you how to do that. Where to Put the Restraint Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We at General Motors therefore recommend that you put your child restraint in the rear seat unless the child is an infant and you're Seats & Safety Belts

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the only adult in the vehicle. In that Top Strap Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear case, you might want to secure the If your child restraint has a top strap, it Outside Position restraint in the front seat where you can should be anchored. You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. keep an eye on the baby. If you need to have an anchor installed, See the earlier section about the top Wherever you install it, be sure to you can ask your Geo dealer to put it in strap if the child restraint has one. secure the child restraint properly, for you. If you want to install an anchor yourself, your dealer can tell you how to do it.

An unsecured child restraint A can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle - even when no child is in it. in is child 1 B -C

You’ll need a safety locking clip to 1 . Put the restraint on the seat. Follow 5. Then thread both the lap and properly secure a child restraint. in this the instructions for the child shoulder belt portions through the position. You can get a locking clip restraint. I locking clip. where child restraints are sold, or from 2. Secure the child in the child restraint A. Lap Belt Portion your Geo dealer (GM Part No, as the instructions say. B. Latch Plate 94844571). The locking clip must be thc same as the one shown here. 3. Pull out the vehicle’s safety belt and C. Buckle run the lap part through or around D.Locking Clip Until you have this clip, secure a child the restraint. The child restraint restraint only in a seat that has a instructions will show you how. E. Shoulder Belt Portion separate lap belt (and a way to anchor a top strap, if the child restraint has one). See if the shoulder belt would go in See the following section about securini front of the child’s face or neck. If a child restraint in a center position. so, put it behind the child restraint. Once you have the clip, follow these 4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the instructions: release button faces upward or outward, so you’ll be able to unbuckle it quickly if you ever need to. Seats & Safety Belts

6. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is When not used with a child If a locking clip is not used or secure. is not installed properly, the restraint seat, a safety belt A To remove the child restraint, just A child restraint may move or tip with a child restraint lockingclip over when your vehicle turns or unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and still attached can cause serious remove the locking clip. Let the safety stops quickly. The child or others injury in a crash. Always remove could be injured. When you secure belt go back all the way. The safety belt the clip when you are not using it a child restraint with a will move freely again and be ready to with a child restraint. lap-shoulder belt, always thread work for an adult or larger child both the lap and shoulder belt passenger. portions through a locking clip. Securing a Child Restraint in the 1. Make the belt as long as possible by 4. Run the vehicle’s safety belt through Center Rear Seat Position tilting the latch plate and pulling it or around the restraint. The child When you secure a child restraint in a along the belt. restraint instructions will show you :enter seating position, you’ll be using 2. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow how. the lap belt. the instructions for the child 5. Buckle the belt. Make sure the See the earlier section about the top restraint. release button faces upward or strap if the child restraint has one. 3. Secure the child in the child restraint outward, so you’ll be able to as the instructions say. unbuckle it quickly if you ever need to. 6. To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push down on the child restraint.

39’ Seats & Safety Belts

7. Push and pull the child restraint in Securing a Child Restraint in the You’ll need a safety locking clip to different directions to be sure it is Right Front Seat properly secure a child restraint in this secure. If the child restraint isn’t You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. position. You can get a locking clip secure, turn the latch plate over and See the earlier section about the top where child restraints are sold, or from buckle it again. Then see if it is strap if the child restraint has one. your Geo dealer (GM Part No. secure. If it isn’t, secure the restraint 94844571). The locking clip must be the in a different place in the vehicle and same as the one shown here. contact the child restraint maker for Until you have this clip, secure a child their advice. restraint only in a seat that has a To remove the child restraint, just separate lap belt (and a way to anchor a unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt. It will top strap, if the child restraint has one). be ready to work for an adult or larger See the earlier section about securing a child passenger. child restraint in a center position. Once you have the clip, follow these instructions: 1. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions for the child restraint, 1

'C '$.

2. Secure the child in the child restraint A. Lap Belt Portion 6. Push and pull the child restraint in as the instructions say. 8. Latch Plate different directions to be sure it is 3. Pull out the vehicle's safety belt and C. Buckle secure. run the lap part through or around D. Locking Clip E. Shoulder Belt Portion To remove the child restraint, just . the restraint. The child restraint unbuckle the vehicle's safety belt and instructions will show you how. remove the locking clip. Let the safety See if the shoulder belt would go in belt go back all the way. front of the child's face or neck. If If a locking clip is not used or so, put it behind the child restraint. A is not installed properly, the 4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the child restraint may move or tip over release button faces upward or when your vehicle turns or stops outward, so you'll be able to quickly. The child or others could be injured. When you secure a child unbuckle it quickly if you ever restraint with a lap-shoulder belt, need to. always thread both the lap and 5. Then thread both lap and shoulder shoulder belt portions through a belt portions through the locking locking clip. clip. 41 === Seats & Safety Belts

Larger Children Children who have outgrown child Accident statistics show that children are When not used with a child restraints should wear the vehicle’s safer if they are restrained in the rear restraint seat, a safety belt safety belts. seat. But they need to use the safety A belts properly. with a child restraint locking clip If you have the choice, a child should sit still attached can cause serious next to a window so the child can wear Children who aren’t buckled up can injury in a crash. Always remove a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional be thrown out in a crash. the clip when you are not using it restraint a shoulder belt can provide. with a child restraint. Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other people who are. ‘he safety belt will move freely again nd be ready to work for an adult or rrger child passenger. Q: What if a child is wearing a Never do this. lap-shoulder belt, but the child is Never do this. so small that the shoulder belt is Here two children are wearing very close to the child’s face or Here a child is sitting in a Athe same belt. The belt can’t A neck? seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, properly spread the impact forces. but the shoulder part is behind the In a crash, the two children can be A: Move the child toward the center of child. If the child wears the belt in crushed together and seriously the vehicle, but be sure that the this way, in a crash the child injured. A belt must be used by shoulder belt still is on the child’s might slide under the belt. The only one person at a time. shoulder, so that in a crash the belt’s force would then be applied child’s upper body would have the right on the child’s abdomen. That restraint that belts provide. could cause serious or fatal If the child is so small that the injuries. shoulder belt is still very close to the child’s face or neck, you might want to place the child in the center seat position, the one that has only a lap belt. Seats & Safety Belts

rn Safety Belt Extender Checking Your Restmnt Wherever the child sits, the lap portion If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten Systems of the belt should be worn low and snug around you, you should use it. Now and then, make sure all your belts, on the hips, and just touching the child’s But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to buckles, latch plates, retractors, thighs, This applies belt force to the fasten, your dealer will order you an anchorages and reminder systems are child’s pelvic bones in a crash. extender. It’s free. When you go in to working properly. Look for any loose order it, take the heaviest coat you will parts or damage. If you see anything wear, so the extender will be long that might keep a restraint system from enough for you. The extender will be doing its job, have it repaired. just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach it to the regular safety belt. rn Rephcing Safety Belts afler a Crush Q: What’s wrong with this? If you’ve had a crash, do you need new If belts are cut or damaged, replace A: The belt is torn. belts? them. Collision damage also may mean After a very minor collision, nothing you will have to have safety belt parts, may be necessary. But if the belts were like the retractor, replaced or anchorage stretched, as they would be if worn locations repaired - even if the belt Torn or frayed belts may not during a more severe crash, then you wasn’t being used at the time of the protect you in a crash. They need new belts. collision. can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away. Notes Part 2 Features & Controls Keys ...... 48 Door Locks ...... 49 Theft ...... 53 New Vehicle .‘Break-In” ...... 54 Ignition Switch ...... 54 Starting Your Engine ...... 55 i Driving through Deep Standing Water...... 58 Automatic Transaxle...... 58 Five-Speed Manual Transaxle ...... 62 Here you can learn about the Parking...... 64 many standard and optional Engine Exhaust...... 68 features on your Geo. and Windows ...... 70 information on starting. shifting Horn ...... 7;l Tiltwheel ...... 71 and braking . Also explained are The Turn Signal/Lights ControUHeadlightBeam Lever ...... 71 the instrument panel and the Operation of Lights ...... 72 warning systems that tell you if Interior Lights ...... 74 everything is working properly - Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever ...... 75 and what to do if you have a Cruisecontrol ...... 77 problem. Mirrors ...... 82 Sunroof ...... 83 Storage and Compartments ...... 84 Sunvisors ...... 85 Passenger Assist Grips...... 86 AshtraysandLighter ...... 86 Instrument Panel and Clusters...... 90 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators ...... 92 47 . . . . Features & Controls

3

I Keys hekey is used for the ignition, the ioors, and all other locks. Your Geo has a number of new CAUTlON When a new Geo is delivered, the dealer features that can help prevent .emoves the metal plate from the key theft. But you can have a lot of Leaving young children in a -ing and gives it to the first owner. trouble getting into your vehicle if A vehicle with the ignition key The metal plate has a code on it that you ever lock your keys inside. is dangerous for many reasons. A ells your dealer or a qualified locksmith You may even have to damage child or others could be badly low to make extra keys. Keep the code your vehicle to get in. So be sure injured or even killed. n a safe place. If you lose your keys, you have an extra key. They could operate power iou’ll be able to have new ones made windows or other controls or even :asilv using this code, make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle with young children. H Door Locks

Unlocked doors can be A dangerous. There are several ways to lock and From the inside: To lock the door, push Passengers - especially children unlock your vehicle: down the button on the door. - can easily open the doors and From the outside: Use your key. To To unlock the door, pull up on the fall out. When a door is locked, lock the door, turn the key clockwise as button. the inside handle won't open it. far as it will go. Outsiders can easily enter through The lock switch on the driver's door an unlocked door when you slow will not work when the door is open. down or stop your vehicle. This prevents the driver from being This may not be so obvious: You locked out. increase the chance of being If your vehicle has power door locks, thrown out of the vehicle in a you can lock or unlock all of the doors crash if the doors aren't locked. by holding the key in the turned position Wear safety belts properly, lock for a few seconds. your doors, and you will be far better off whenever youdrive your vehicle. Features & Controls

Power Door Locks (Option) Leaving Your Vehicle Rear Door Security Lock Push the power door lock switch to lock If you are leaving the vehicle, take your Your Geo is equipped with rear door or unlock all the doors at once. keys, open your door and set the locks security locks that help prevent Your door locks will also lock from the inside. Then get out and close passengers from opening the rear doors automatically when the ignition is on the door. Pull up on the outside door of your car from the inside. and you shift out of P (Park). handle as you close the door. The switch on each rear door works only that door's lock. It won't lock (or unlock) all of the doors - that's a safety feature.

...50 To use one of these locks: The rear doors of your vehicle cannot be 2. Then open the door from the outside. 1. Turn the knob so the bar is in a opened from inside when this feature is If you don’t cancel the security lock vertical position in use. feature, adults or older children who 2. Close the door. @ If you want to open a rear door when ride in the rear won’t be able to open the security lock is on: the rear door from the inside. You 3. Do the same thing to the other rear 1. Unlock the door from the inside. should let adults and older children door lock. know how these security locks work, and how to cancel the locks. Features & Controls

%.

To cancel the rear door lock: Trunk Lock Release Remote Trunk Lock Release 1. Unlock the door from the inside and To open the trunk lid, use your key and To open the trunk lid while sitting in the open the door from the outside. turn it to the right. driver's seat, pull the lever up. The remote trunk release is on the floor to 2. Turn the knob to this position @ . To close the lid, lower and press down on it. After closing the lid, try pulling it the left of the driver's seat. 3. Do the same for the other rear door. up to make sure it is closed. The rear door locks will now work normally. rn nteft Vehicle theft is big business, especially Key in the ignition: Parking at night: in some cities. Although your Geo has a If you walk away from your vehicle Park in a lighted spot, close all windows number of theft-deterrent features, we with the keys inside, it’s an easy target and lock your vehicle. Remember to know that nothing we put on it can make for joy riders or professional thieves - keep your valuables out of sight. Put it impossible to steal. However, there so don’t do it. When you park your Geo them in a storage area, or take them are ways you can help. and open the driver’s door, you’ll hear a with you. tone reminding you to remove your key from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this. Your steering wheel will be locked, and so will your ignition. If you have an automatic transaxle, taking your key out also locks your transaxle. And remember to lock the doors. Features & Controls

H New Vehicle “Break-Zn ”

Your modern Geo doesn’t need an H Ignition Switch elaborate “break-in.” But it will With the key in the ignition switch, you sound if you open the driver’s door perform better in the long run if can turn the switch to four positions: when the ignition is in ACC or LOCK you follow these guidelines: LOCK (A): The only position in which and the key is in the ignition. Don’t drive at any one speed - you can remove the key. This locks ON (C): Position to which the switch fast or slow - for the first 500 your steering wheel, ignition and returns after you start your engine and miles (804 km). Don’t make automatic transaxle. You must push the release the switch. The switch stays in full-throttle starts. key in to remove it. the ON position when the engine is Avoid making hard stops for the If you have an automatic transaxle, the running. first 200 miles (322 km) or so. ignition switch can’t be turned to LOCK START (D):Starts the engine. When During this time your new brake unless the shift lever is in the P (Park) the engine starts, release the key. The linings aren’t yet broken in. position. ignition switch will return to ON for Hard stops with new linings can ACC (B): Position in which you can normal driving. mean premature wear and operate some of your electrical power Note that even if the engine is not earlier replacement. Follow this accessories. It unlocks the steering running, the ACC and ON allow you to ‘‘breaking-in’ ’ guideline every wheel and ignition. A warning tone will operate your electrical accessories, such time you get new brake linings. as the radio and ventilation fan. I Sturting Your Engine 1. Automatic Transaxle: 1 Onmanual transaxle vehicles, If your key seems stuck in LOCK Move your shift lever to P (Park) or A turning the key to LOCK will and you can’t turn it, be sure it is N (Neutral). Your engine won’t start lock the steering column and result all the way in. If it is, then turn in any other position - that’s a in a loss of ability to steer the the steering wheel left and right safety feature. To restart when vehicle. This could cause a while you turn the key hard. But you’re already moving, use collision. If you need to turn the turn the key only with your hand. N (Neutral) only. engine off while the vehicle is Using a tool to force it could break moving, turn the key only to the key or the ignition switch. If ACC. Don’t push the key in while none of this works, then your the vehicle is moving. vehicle needs service. Don’t try to shift to P (Park) if your Geo is moving. If you do, you could damage the transaxle. Shift to P (Park) only when your vehicle is stopped.

i.. . Features & Controls

Manual Transaxle: 2. Don’t push the accelerator pedal 4. If it doesn’t start in three seconds, Shift your gear selector to neutral before starting your engine. In some wait about 15 seconds and try again and hold the clutch pedal to the floor other vehicles you might need to do to start the engine by turning the while starting the engine. Your this, but because of your vehicle’s ignition key to START. Wait about vehicle won’t start if the clutch pedal computer systems, you don’t. 15 seconds between each try to help is not all the way down - that’s a 3. Turn your ignition key to START. avoid draining your battery. safety feature. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm. Holding your key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor. When your engine has run about 10 as you hold the key in START for NU 1 1Gt seconds to warm up, your vehicle is about three seconds. If the vehicle ready to be driven. Don’t “race” starts briefly but then stops again, do Your engine is designed to work your engine when it’s cold. the same thing, but this time keep the with the electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical parts If the weather is below freezing pedal down for five or six seconds. This clears the extra gasoline from or accessories, you could change (32°F or OOC), let the engine run for the way the fuel injection system the engine. a few minutes to warm up. operates. Before adding electrical 5. If your engine still won’t start (or 6. If your engine stalls, restart it as equipment, check with your starts but then stops), it could be explained earlier. If it stalls often, dealer. If you don’t, your engine flooded with too much gasoline. Try have the engine checked by your might not perform properly. dealer as soon as possible. pushing your accelerator pedal all the If you ever have to have your way to the floor and holding it there vehicle towed, see the part of this Manual that tells how to do it without damaging your vehicle. See “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index. Features & Controls

It is dangerous to get out of A your vehicle if the shift lever Driving through Deep Automatic Transaxle is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. Your Stwufing Water There are several different positions for vehicle can roll. your shift lever. Don’t leave your vehicle when the P (Park) engine is running unless you have If you drive too quickly through This locks your front wheels. It’s the to. If you have left the engine deep puddles or standing water, best position to use when you start your running, the vehicle can move water can come in through your engine because your vehicle can’t move suddenly. You or others could be engine’s air intake and badly easily. injured. To be sure your vehicle damage your engine. If you can’t won’t move, when you’re on fairly avoid deep puddles or standing level ground, always set your water, drive through them very parking brake and move the shift slowly. lever to P (Park). See “Shifting into P (Park) ” in the Index. If you are parking on a hill, or if you’re pulling a trailer, also see “Parking on Hills” or “Towing a Trailer” in the Index. Ensure the shift lever is fully in R (Reverse) To rock your vehicle back and forth to P (Park) range before starting the Use this gear to back up. get out of snow, ice or sand without engine. Your Geo has a brake-transaxle damaging your transaxle, see “If You’re shift interlock. You have to fully apply I Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow” in your regular brake before you can shift the Index. from P (Park) when the ignition key is N (Neutral) in the position. If you cannot shift ON In this position, your engine doesn’t out of P (Park), ease pressure on the damage your transaxle. Shift to shift lever - push the shift lever all the connect with the wheels. To restart (Reverse) only after your way into (Park) and also release the R when you’re already moving, use P vehicle is stopped. shift lever button on floor shift console N (Neutral) only. Also, use N (Neutral) when your vehicle is being towed. models - as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. (Press the shift lever button before moving the shift lever on floor shift console models.) See “Shifting out of P (Park)” in this section. 59.. . Features & Controls

You’ll shift down to the next gear and Shifting out of P (Park) or Damage to your transaxle caused have more power. A N (Neutral) while your engine by shifting out of P (Park) or 2 (Second Gear) is “racing” (running at high N (Neutral) with the engine racing This position gives you more power but speed) is dangerous. Unless your isn’t covered by your warranty. lower fuel economy. You can use 2 on foot is firmly on the brake pedal, hills. It can help control your speed as your vehicle could move very D (Drive) you go down steep mountain roads, but rapidly. You could lose control This position is for normal driving. then you would also want to use your and hit people or objects. Don’t brakes off and on. shift out of P (Park) or If you need more power for passing, and N (Neutral) while your engine is you’re: racing. -Going less than about 27 mph (43 km/h), push your accelerator pedal about halfway down -Going about 29 mph (47 km/h) or more, push your accelerator pedal all the way down L (Low Gear) IVVI 1L-t Don’t drive in 2 (Second Gear) for This position gives you even more If your front wheels can’t rotate, more than 5 miles (8 km) or at power (but lower fuel economy) than 2. don’t try to drive. This might speeds over 55 mph (88 km/h), or You can use it on very steep hills, or in happen if you were stuck in very you can damage your transaxle. deep snow or mud. If the selector lever deep sand or mud or were up Use D as much as possible. is put in L, the transaxle won’t shift into against a solid object. You could Don’t shift into 2 unless you are low gear until the vehicle is going damage your transaxle. slowly enough. going slower than 65 mph Also, if you stop when going (105 Wh), or you can damage uphill, don’t hold your vehicle I yourengine. there with only the accelerator pedal. This could overheat and damage the transaxle. Use your brakes to hold your vehicle in position on a hill. Features & Controls

I ’: Five-Speed Manual Overdrive (Option) Transaxle 2 (Second Gear) - Press the clutch If your automatic transaxle has This is your shift pattern. Here’s how to pedal as you let up on the accelerator Overdrive, you can use it for better fuel operate your transaxle: pedal and shift into 2. Then, slowly economy. After starting your engine, let up on the clutch pedal as you press 1 (First Gear) - Press the clutch the accelerator pedal. always push the Overdrive switch in. pedal and shift into 1. Then, slowly Then select the gear you want and press let up on the clutch pedal as you press 3, 4 and 5 (Third, Fourth and Fifth the accelerator. Gradual starts give you the accelerator pedal. Gears) - Shift into 3, 4 and 5 the same way you do for 2. Slowly let up the best fuel economy. Fast starts use You can shift into 1 when you’re going the most fuel. on the clutch pedal as you press the less than 20 mph (32 km/h). If you’ve accelerator pedal. A light on the instrument panel will come to a complete stop and it’s hard to come on whenever you turn off shift into 1, put the shift lever in To Stop - Let up on the accelerator Overdrive. See “Overdrive Off Light” Neutral and let up on the clutch. Press pedal and press the brake pedal. Just in the Index, the clutch pedal back down. Then shift before the vehicle stops, press the into 1. clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and shift to Neutral. ShM Speeds (MANUAL TRANSAXLE) Neutral - Use this position when This chart shows when to shift to the you start or idle your engine. next higher gear for best fuel economy. If you skip more than one R (Reverse) - To back up, press 1st to 2nd or A gear when you downshift, you down the clutch pedal and shift into 2nd to 1st...... 15 mph (24 km/h) could lose control of your vehicle. R. Let up on the clutch pedal slowly 2nd to 3rd or And you could injure yourself or while pressing the accelerator pedal. 3rd to 2nd ...... 25 mph (40 h/h) others. Don’t shift from 5 to 1. 3rd to 4th or 4th to 3rd ...... 40 mph (64 h/h) 4th to 5th or NOTICE Shift to R (Reverse) only after 5th to 4th ...... 45 mph (72 h/h) your vehicle is stopped. Shifting to If your speed drops below 20 mph If you skip more than one gear R (Reverse) while your vehicle is (32 h/h), or if the engine is not when you downshift, or if you moving could damage your running smoothly, you should downshift race the engine when you transaxle. to the next lower gear. You may have to downshift, you can damage the downshift two or more gears to keep the clutch or transaxle. Also, use Reverse, along with the engine running smoothly or for good parking brake, for parking your vehicle. performance, Features & Controls

mlPwking ...... To release the parking brake: If you are on a hill: See “Parking on Parking Brake Hold the brake.pedal down. Pull the Hills’’ in the Index. That section shows To set the parking brake;: .. parking brake lever up until you can. how to turn your front wheels. - If ‘are towing a trailer are Hold the brake pedal down and pull up push in the release button. Hold-the you and on the parking brake lever. If the release button in as you move the brake parking on any hill: See “Towing a lever all the way down. Trailer” in the Index. That section ignition is on, the brake system waking shows what to do first to keep the trailer light will‘ come on. ‘ frommoving. . - .

..’ . Driving with the parking brake on can cause your rear brakes to overheat. You may have to replace them, and you could also damage other parts of your vehicle. ShMng into P (Park) (AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE)

I Hold in the button on the lever, CAUTION and push the lever all the way It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not toward the front of your vehicle. A fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. Your -vehicle can 3. Move the ignition key to LOCK. roll. 4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or If you can walk away from your others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, when you’re vehicle with the ignition key in your on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow. If you are parking on a hill, hand, your vehicle is in P (Park). or if you’re pulling a trailer, also see “Parking on Hills” or “Towing a Trailer’’ in the Index.

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

Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running If you have to. leave your vehicle with (AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE) the engine running, be sure your vehicle is in P (Park) and your parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After you've moved the shift lever into the m It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with the engine running. Your P (Park) position, hold the regular brake vehicle could move suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) pedal down. Then, see if you can move with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with the the shift lever away from P (Park) engine running, it could overheat and even catch fire. You or others could be without first pushing the button. If you injured. Don't leave your vehicle with the engine running unless you have to. can, it means that the shift lever wasn't i fully locked into P (Park). Shifling out of P (Park) Parking Your Vehide (AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE) If you ever hold the brake pedal down (MANUAL TRANSAXLE) Your Geo has a brake-transaxle shift but still can’t shift out of P (Park), try Before you get out of your vehicle, put interlock. You have to fully apply your this: your manual transaxle in R (Reverse) regular brake before you can shift from 1. Carefully pry the shift lock override and firmly apply the parking brake. P (Park) when the ignition is in the ON cover from the floor shift console If you are parking on a hill, or if your position. See “Automatic Transaxle” in using the edge of your key. vehicle is equipped to tow a trailer, see the Index. 2. Insert the tip of your key into the “Parking on Hills” or “Towing a If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease rectangular slot and press down Trailer” in the Index. pressure on the shift lever - push the firmly. shift lever all the way into P (Park) and 3. While maintaining brake application, also release the shift lever button on move the shift lever into the drive floor shift console models as you gear you want. maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. 4. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as (Press the shift lever button before possible. moving the shift lever.) Features & Controls

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k .d

ij11 Engine Exhaust

Parking over Things Thaf Burn Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas carbon monoxide (CO), CAUTION A which you can’t see or smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death. You might have exhaust coming in if Things that can bum could touch hot exhaust parts under Your exhaust system sounds strange or different. your vehicle and ignite. Don’t park Your vehicle gets rusty underneath. over papers, leaves, dry grass or Your vehicle was damaged in a collision. other things that can bum. Your vehicle was damaged when driving over high points on the road or over road debris. Repairs weren’t done correctly. Your vehicle or exhaust system had been modified improperly. If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into your vehicle: Drive it only with all the windows down to blow out any CO; and Have it fixed immediately. . .. CAUTION Idling the engine with the air system control off could allow dangerous Running Your Engine whi/e A exhaust into your vehicle (see the earlier Caution under “Engine You’re parked Exhaust’’) . (AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE) Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle, even if the fan switch is at the highest setting. One place this It’s better not to park with the engine can happen is a garage. Exhaust - with CO - can come in easily. NEVER running. But if you ever have to, here park in a garage with the engine running. are some things to know. Another closed-in place can be a blizzard. (See “Blizzard” in the Index.) It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you’ve left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, when you’re on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park). Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle won’t move. See “Shifting Into P (Park)” in the Index. If you are parking on a hill, or if you’re pulling a trailer, also see “Parking on Hills” or ‘‘Towing a Trailer” in the Index. Features & Controls

H Windows Manual Windows Power Windows (Option) You can also open this window any Use the window crank to open and close With power windows, switches on the amount by pulling the switch back each window. driver's door control each window when slightly and releasing it when you want the ignition is on. the window to stop. There are individual controls near each To raise the window move the switch window. Push the bottom of the switch forward. to open a window. Do not push the switch when the The switch for the driver's window has window is in the Express Down mode. an Express Down feature. To use the Press the window lock switch if you Express Down, pull the switch back all wish to keep passengers from using their the way. Release the switch and the individual window switches. window will lower completely. When the window has lowered, the driver's Press the switch again to unlock the switch will return to the center position. windows.

'0 7

Horn Tilt Wheel (OPTION) llae Turn Signal/Lights To sound the horn, press the horn A tilt steering wheel allows you to ControUHeadlight Beam symbol on your steering wheel. adjust the steering wheel before you drive. Lever The lever on the left side of the steering You can also raise it to the highest level column includes your: to give your legs more room when you exit and enter the vehicle. Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator To tilt the wheel, hold the steering wheel and pull the lever. Move the Headlight High/Low Beam and steering wheel to a comfortable level, Passing Signal then release the lever to lock the wheel Operation of Lights in place. Features & Controls

Turn S( al Id fa1 Change rn Operation of Lights indicator A green arrow on the instrument panel Although your vehicle’s lighting system The turn signal has two upward (for will flash in the direction of the turn or (headlamps, parking lamps, fog lamps, Right) and two downward (for Left) lane change. side marker lamps and taillamps) meet positions. These positions allow you to To signal a lane change, just raise or all applicable federal lighting signal a turn or a lane change. lower the lever until the green arrow requirements, certain states and starts to flash. Hold it there until you provinces may apply their own lighting To signal a turn, move the lever all the regulations that may require special way up or down. When the turn is complete your lane change. The lever will return by itself when you release it. attention before you operate these finished, the lever will return lamps. For example, some jurisdictions automatically. As you signal a turn or a lane change, if may require that you operate your lower the arrows don’t flash but just stay on, a beam lamps with fog lamps at all times, signal bulb may be burned out and other or that headlamps be turned on drivers won’t see your turn signal. If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an accident. If the green arrows don’t go on at all when you signal a turn, check the fuse (see “Fuses” in the Index) and for burned-out bulbs. . -72 whenever you must use your windshield Turn the outside portion of the lever to Head/i@ht HinhAowBeam wipers. In addition, most jurisdictions control the lights. There are three First, you must have the headlights on. prohibit driving solely with parking positions for the light switch. (See “Lights” in the Index.) Pull the lamps, especially at dawn or dusk. It is In OFF, all lights are turned off. turn signal lever toward you for high recommended that you check with your beams. Then release it. When the high own state or provincial highway The middle position turns on the parking lights, taillights, license plate beams are on, a blue light on the authority for applicable lighting instrument panel also will be on. It will regulations. light and the instrument panel lighting; the headlights are off. go off when you switch to low beam. The third position turns on the headlights.

73. . Features & Controls

Flash-to-Pass Intet.ior Lights With the lever in the low beam position, Dome Light If you have a sunroof, you have a pull the lever toward you to The dome light has a three position reading light near the sunroof switch. momentarily switch to high beam (to switch. Press the switch to turn the light on and signal that you are going to pass). When press it again to turn it off. you release the lever, the headlights will ON: The light turns on and stays on return to low beam operation. whether or not a door is open. Headlights ON Reminder OFF: The light stays off even when a door is open. If you turn the ignition key to LOCK or ACC and the light switch is not in the DOOR: The light comes on when a OFF position, a tone will sound to door is open. remind you to turn off your lights. H Windshiielii courtesy Lights Brightness Control W@erIWbsher Lever When any door is opened, several lights This knob controls the brightness of The lever on the right side of the go on. These lights are courtesy lights. your instrument panel lights. Turn the steering column controls the windshield They make it easier for you to enter and knob to the right to make the lights wipers and washer. leave your car. Any light on your door brighter or to the left to make them Rotate the wiper switch to the position or under your instrument panel is a dimmer. If you turn the knob all the you want: courtesy light. The dome light above way to the left, the instrument panel your head is a courtesy light too. You lights will go off. OFT - The wipers are off. can turn on these lights by turning the INT - Intermittent wiper operation main light control knob to the center (if your Geo has this). In light rain or position. See “Interior Lights” in this snow, you might want to use this section. position rather than continuous wiping. You can change the time between wipes by turning the INT TIME band. Features & Controls

LO - The wipers will run Washers continuously at low speed. Damaged wiper blades may Press the button on the end of the lever HI - The wipers will run A prevent you from seeing well to spray washer fluid on the windshield. continuously at high speed. enough to drive safely. To avoid It will spray as long as you hold the MIST - (If you have mist type damage, be sure to clear ice and button in. wipers, the lever doesn’t have an INT snow from the wiper blades before position.) For a single wiping cycle, using them. If they’re frozen to the push the lever to the MIST position. windshield, carefully loosen or Hold it there for a second, then let thaw them. If your blades do go. The wipers will stop after one become damaged, get new blades cycle. If you want more cycles, hold or blade inserts. the lever in the MIST position longer. Heavy snow or ice can overload your wipers. A circuit breaker will stop them until the motor cools. Clear away snow or ice to prevent an overload.

976 :.:..

When using concentrated washer fluid, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding water. I Don’t mix water with With Cruise Control, you can maintain a Driving without washer ready-to-use washer fluid. Water speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or A fluidcan be dangerous. can cause the solution to freeze more without keeping your foot on the A bad mud splash can block and damage your washer fluid accelerator. This can really help on long your vision. You could hit tank and other parts of the trips. Cruise Control does not work at another vehicle or go off the washer system. Also, water speeds below about 25 mph (40 km/h). road. Check your washer fluid doesn’t clean as well as washer When you apply your brakes, or push level often. fluid. the clutch pedal, if you have a manual In freezing weather, don’t use Fill your washer fluid tank only transaxle, the Cruise Control shuts off. your washer until the windshield 314 full when it’s very cold. is warmed. Otherwise the This allows for expansion, washer fluid can form ice on the which could damage the tank if windshield, blocking your it is completely full. vision. Don’t use radiator antifreeze in your windshield washer. It can damage your paint. Features & Controls

To Set Cruise Control Cruise Control can be 1. Push the end of the Cruise Control If you leave your Cruise A dangerous where you can’t lever. A Control switch on when drive safely at a steady speed. you’re not using Cruise, you might So don’t use your Cruise move a lever and go into Cruise Control on winding roads or in when you don’t want to. You heavy traffk . could be startled and even lose control. Keep the Cruise Control Cruise Control can be dangerous switch OFF’ until you want to use on slippery roads. On such it. roads, fast changes in tire traction can cause needless wheel spinning, and you could 2. Get up to the speed you want. lose control. Don’t use Cruise Control on slippery roads.

...78 I

3. Push the lever down to SET/COAST To Resume a Set Speed and release it. (The CRUISE light on Suppose you set your Cruise Control at If you hold the switch at the instrument panel will come on.) a desired speed and then you apply the A RES/ACC longer than half a 4. Take your foot off the accelerator brake. This, of course, shuts off the second, the vehicle will keep going pedal. Cruise Control. But you don't need to faster until you release the lever or reset it. Unless you're going about 25 apply the brake. You could be mph (40 km/h) or less or you slowed startled and even lose control. So down to 10 mph (16 km/h) less than unless you want to go faster, don't your preset speed, you can press the hold the lever at RES/ACC. lever up to RES/ACC for about half a second. You'll go right back up to your chosen speed and stay there. If your preset speed cancels out when it shouldn't, there may be a problem with your Cruise Control. See your dealer. Features & Controls

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To Increase Speed While Using Cruise Here’s the second way to go to a higher To Reduce Speed While Using Cruise Control speed: Control There are two ways to go to a higher Move the Cruise lever from ON to There are two ways to reduce your speed, Here’s the first: RES/ACC. Hold it there until you get speed while using cruise control: 1. Use the accelerator pedal to get to up to the speed you want, and then Push the lever to SET/COAST until the higher speed. release the lever. you reach the lower speed you want, 2. Push the lever to SET/COAST and To increase your speed in very small then release it. hold it for less than a second. amounts, move the lever to To slow down in very small amounts, Release the lever and the accelerator RES/ACC for less than half a second push the lever for less than half a pedal. and then release it. Each time you do second. Each’ time you do this, you’ll this, your vehicle will go about 1 mph go 1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower. You’ll now cruise at the higher ( 1 .6 h/h) faster. speed. ‘b

Passing Another Vehicle While Using Using Cruise Control on Hills To Get Out of Cruise Control Cruise Control How well your Cruise Control will work There are several ways to turn off the Use the accelerator pedal to increase on hills depends upon your speed, load, Cruise Control: your speed. When you take your foot and the steepness of the hills. When 1. Step lightly on the brake pedal or off the pedal, your vehicle will slow going up steep hills, you may have to push the clutch pedal, if you have a down to the Cruise Control speed you step on the accelerator pedal to maintain manual transaxle. set earlier. your speed. When going downhill, you may have to brake or shift to a lower 2. Move the shift lever to N (Neutral) if gear to keep your speed down. Of you have an automatic transaxle. course, applying the brake takes you out 3. Press the Cruise ON-OFF button of Cruise Control. Many drivers find again or pull the lever toward you to this to be too much trouble and don’t cancel. use Cruise Control on steep hills. To Erase Speed Memory When you turn off the Cruise Control or the ignition, your Cruise Control set speed memory is erased. Features & Controls

1 Mirrors Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror Convex Outside Mirror Manual Adjust Mirrors An inside rearview mirror is attached to Your right side mirror may be convex. These mirrors should be adjusted by your roof. The mirror has one pivot so A convex mirror’s surface is curved so hand so that you can just see the side of that you can adjust it up and down or you can see more from the driver’s seat. your vehicle when you are sitting in a side to side. comfortable driving position. You can adjust the mirror for day or Manual Remote Control Mirror night driving. Pull the tab for night Adjust the mirror with the lever on the driving, and push it for day driving. If you aren’t used to a convex door. Adjust the mirror so that you just A mirror, you can hit another see the side of your vehicle when you vehicle. A convex mirror can are in a comfortable position. make things (like other vehicles) look farther away than theyreally are. If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your inside mirror or glance over your shoulder before changing lanes. Sunroof Electric Mirror Control (Option) You can tilt and open your sunroof. To To open the electric sunroof, push the The electric mirror control is to the left tilt the sunroof, press the switch marked SLIDE arrow that points to the rear of of your steering wheel. To adjust an UP. Press the other end of the switch to the vehicle. To close it, push the other outside mirror, move the switch to L lower the sunroof. Your ignition must arrow that points to the front of the (driver’s side) or R (passenger’s side). be on for this switch to work. vehicle. The sunroof will close partially Then use the round touch pad to move then stop. Push the arrow again to close the mirror in the direction chosen. it completely. You can open the sunroof to any position. Features & Controls

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H Storage and f the electric sunroof will not close, 3. Close the sunroof by hand as far as it Compartments ollow these instructions: will go. Then find the special Cupholder crank-shaped screwdriver in your . Remove the cover screw and take off To open the cupholder, push the bar and the sunroof control cover. tool bag. It is in your trunk. Insert the screwdriver into the hole and turn the cupholder will slide out !. Carefully remove the inside screw, it clockwise until the sunroof is automatically. With cups removed, push washers and spacers. Be careful not closed. it back in to store. to lose this screw, the washers, or Console Storage Area the spacers because the sunroof Be sure to have the electric sunroof won't work without them. checked by your Geo dealer as soon A small storage area is in the console as possible. between the seats. If there is a cover, lift it up to access the storage area. LL I----- h

;love Box ISun Visors Door Storage Compartments :o open the glove box door, squeeze the To block out glare, you can swing down The driver’s door has a mapktorage buttons. the visors. You can also swing them to compartment. You may also have a 4lways keep the glove box door closed the side. If the visors swing too easily, tighten the screw on the rear of the storage comnartment on your passenger vhile driving. door. visors. Features & Controls

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., H Passenger Assist Grips H Ashtrays and Lighter Visor Vanity Mirrors (Option) Your Geo has assist grips. Passengers Cigarette Lighter Pull down the sun visor to expose the can use the grips to help keep their To use the lighter, push the lighter in all vanity mirror. balance over rough roads or during the way and let go. When it’s ready, it sharp turns. will pop back by itself.

NO TICE m 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. Front Ashtray lear Ashtray Pull the door to open the ashtray. To lou have an ashtray behind the console. Don't put papers and other things remove it, push down on the part )ull the door to open it. To remove it, that burn into your ashtrays. If you marked PUSH at the back, then pull it tress the tab and pull it out. do, cigarettes or other smoking . out * materials could set them on fire, causing damage.

When you are done using the ashtray, push it back to close it. Features & Controls P instrument Panel 1. Side Window Defogger Vents 8. Hazard Warning Flashers 15. Lighter 2. BrightnessControl 9. Glove Box 16. CruiseControl 3. Turn SignaULights 10. Comfort Control System 17. Ignition Switch Control/Headlight Beam Lever 11. Audio System 18. Horn 4. InstrumentCluster 12. Cupholder 19. Tilt Wheel Lever 5. Windshield Wiper Control 13. Ashtray 20. Hood Release 6. Windshield Washer Button 14. Shift Lever 21. Electric Mirror Control 7. Rear Window Defogger Features & Controls

Instrument Panel and Clusters Optional Cluster Speedometer and Odometer If you have the optional cluster, your Your speedometer lets you see your Standard Cluster instrument panel gives you additional speed in both miles per hour (mph) and Your instrument panel is designed to let information. This cluster includes a kilometers per hour (km/h). Your you know at a glance how your vehicle tachometer. odometer shows how far your vehicle is running. You’ll know how fast you’re has been driven, in miles. going, about how much fuel you have left in your fuel tank, and many other things you’ll need to know to drive safely and economically. Trip Odometer Tachometer (Option) The trip odometer can tell you how far The tachometer shows engine speed in your vehicle has been driven since you thousands of revolutions per minute Do not operate the engine with the last set the trip odometer to zero. (rpm). tachometer in the red area, or To set the trip odometer to zero, press engine damage may occur. the knob.

91 Features & Controls

rn Warning Lights, Gages und Indicators Warning lights go on when there may be When one of the warning lights comes This section describes the warning lights or is a problem with one of your on and stays on when you are driving, and gages that are on your vehicle. The vehicle’s functions. As you will see in or when one of the gages shows there pictures will help you locate them. the details on the next few pages, some may be a problem, check the section warning lights come on briefly when that tells you what to do about it. Please Warning lights and gages can signal that you turn the ignition key just to let you follow the manual’s advice. Waiting to ,something is wrong before it becomes know they’re working. If you are do repairs can be costly - and even serious enough to cause an expensive familiar with this section, you should dangerous. So please get to know your repair. or replacement. Paying attention not be alarmed when this happens. warning lights and gages. They’re a big Ito your warning lights and gages could Gages can indicate when there may be help. also save you or others from injury. or is a problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages and warning lights work together to let you know when there’s a problem with your vehicle. F I

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Fuel Gage It takes more (or less) gas to fill up Brake System Warning Light Your fuel gage shows about how much than the gage said. For example, the Your Geo’s hydraulic brake system is fuel is in your tank. The fuel gage gage said 1/2 full, but it took more divided into two parts. If one part isn’t works only when the ignition switch is (or less) than half of the tank’s working, the other part can still work in the ON position. When the gage capacity to fill it. and stop you. For good braking, though, pointer first indicates E, you still have a The gage moves a little when you you need both parts working well. little fuel left (about one to two gallons) turn, stop or speed up. If the warning light goes on, there could but you need to get more right away. When you turn the engine off, the be a brake problem. Have your brake Here are four concerns some owners gage doesn’t go back to E. system inspected right away. have had about the fuel gage. All these This light should come on as you start situations are normal and do not indicate the vehicle. If it doesn’t come on then, that anything is wrong with the fuel have it fixed so it will be ready to warn gage. you if there’s a problem. At the gas station, the gas pump shuts off before the gage reads F. Features & Controls

This light will also come on when you Anti-Lock Brake System Warning set your parking brake, and it will stay Light (Option) Your brake system may not on if your parking brake doesn’t release With anti-lock, this light will go on fully. If it stays on after your parking A be working properly if the brake warning light is on. Driving when you start your engine and may brake is fully released, it means you stay on for several seconds or so. If the may have a brake problem. with the brake warning light on can lead to an accident. If the light light doesn’t come on, have it fixed so it If the light comes on while driving, pull is still on after you’ve pulled off will be ready to warn you if there is a off the road and stop carefully. You the road and stopped carefully, problem. may notice that the pedal is harder to have the vehicle towed for service. If the light stays on or comes on when push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the you’re driving, stop as soon as possible floor. It may take longer to stop. If the and turn the key off. Then start the light is still on, have the vehicle towed engine to reset the system. If the light for service. (See “Towing Your still stays on, or comes on again while Vehicle” in the Index.) you’re driving, your Geo needs service. Unless your regular brake system warning light is also on, you will still have brakes, but not anti-lock brakes. If ...94 the regular brake system warning light is ABS Active Light Engine Coolant Temperature Gage also on, see “Brake System Warning When your anti-lock brake system is This gage shows the engine coolant Light’’ earlier in this part. working, the message ABS ACTIVE temperature. If the gage pointer moves If the anti-lock brake system warning light will come on. This means that into the red area, your engine is too hot! light ever flashes, your anti-lock brake slippery road conditions may exist. It means that your engine coolant has system is still working but needs Adjust your driving accordingly. overheated. If you have been operating service. your vehicle under normal driving The anti-lock brake system warning light conditions, you should pull off the road, may also come on when you are driving stop your vehicle and turn off the engine with a compact spare tire. If this as soon as possible. happens, the light means you won’t have HOT COOLANT CAN BURN YOU anti-lock until you replace the compact BADLY! spare with a full-size tire. If the warning In “Problems on the Road, ” this light stays on after you replace the manual shows what to do. See “Engine compact spare with a full-size tire, or if Overheating” in the Index. it comes on again when you’re driving, your Geo needs service. Features & Controls

Engine Oil Pressure Light The oil light could also come on in three I CAUTION other situations: L If you have a problem with your oil, Don’t keep driving if the oil this light may stay on after you start When the ignition is on but the engine A pressure is low. If you do, your engine, or come on when you are is not running, the light will come on your engine can become so hot driving. This indicates that there is not as a test to show you it is working, that it catches fire. You or others enough oil pressure to keep your engine but the light will go out when you could be burned. Check your oil as properly lubricated and cool. The engine turn the ignition to START. If it soon as possible and have your could be low on oil, or could have some doesn’t come on with the ignition on, vehicle serviced. other oil related problem. Have it fixed you may have a problem with the fuse right away. or bulb. Have it fixed right away. Sometimes when the engine is idling at a stop, the light may blink on and off. This is normal. Damage to your engine from If you make a hard stop, the light neglected oil problems can be may come on for a moment. This is costly and is not covered by your normal. Warranty. I

Charging System Light Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check This light will come on briefly when Engine Light) If you keep driving your vehicle you turn on the ignition, but the engine A computer monitors operation of your with this light on, after a while the is not running, as a check to show you it fuel, ignition and emission control emission controls won't work well, is working. Then it should go out when systems. This light should come on your fuel economy won't be as the engine starts. If it stays on, or when the ignition is on, but the engine is good, and your engine may not comes on while you are driving, you not running, as a check to show you it is run as smoothly. This could lead may have a problem with the electrical working. If it does not come on at all, to costlyrepairs It covered by charging system. It could indicate that have it fixed right away. If it stays on, your warranty. you have a loose generator drive belt, or or comes on while you are driving, the another electrical problem. Have it computer is indicating that you have a checked right away. Driving while this problem. You should take your vehicle light is on could drain your battery. in for service soon. If you must drive a short distance with the charging system light on, be certain to turn off all your accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner. 97. Features & Controls

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Rear Window Defogger Light Door Warning Light Overdrive Off Light This light will come on whenever the This light stays on if any door is not If you have an automatic transaxle with rear window defogger is on. See “Rear completely closed and the ignition Overdrive, this light appears on your Window Defogger” in the Index. switch is ON. The light should also instrument cluster. The light will come come on briefly when you turn your key on whenever you turn off the Overdrive. to START. If the light doesn’t come on as it should, have it fixed. Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

Comfort Controls ...... 100 Heater Controls ...... 100 Inthis part you’ll find out how to Heating ...... 101 operate the comfort control Bi-LevelHeating ...... 101 systems and audio systems Ventilation ...... 102 offered with your Geo. Be sure to Defogging and Defrosting Windows...... 102 Air Conditioner Controls...... 103 read about the particular system Cooling ...... 103 supplied with your vehicle. Dehumidifying ...... 103 Rear Window Defogger...... 104 Flow-ThroughVentilation System ...... 104 AudioSystems ...... 105 Settingtheclock ...... 106 AM/FMStereo...... 107 AM/FM Stereo with CassetteTape Player ...... 109 AM/FM Stereo with CassetteTape and Compact Disc Player...... 116 Understanding Radio Reception...... 124 Care of Your CassetteTape Player ...... 124 Care of Your Compact Disc...... 125 Antenna ...... 125 Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

Comfort Controls Heater Controls With this system, you can control the Air Intake Lever Airflow Knob heating and ventilation in your Geo. If : Choose this position to recirculate Use this knob to direct the airflow. you have the air conditioning option, the inside air through the comfort you can also control cooling. d;: This position directs the airflow control system. through the instrument panel vents. Your vehicle also has the flow-through : Choose this position to circulate. : This position directs the airflow ventilation system described later in this outside air through the comfort control part. through the instrument panel vents and system. toward the floor. wd: This position directs the airflow toward the floor. ~dGPO : This position directs the airflow toward the floor and the windshield. : This position directs the airflow to the windshield. Heating Bi-Leve/ Heating

~ Fan Knob 1. For the quickest results, move the air You may want to use bi-level heating on

~ # : Turn this knob to turn the heating intake lever to a. cool, but sunny days. This setting l system on or off. Turn the knob toward 2. Turn the airflow knob to cr$ . directs cool air toward your body and warmer air toward your feet. ' HI to increase the fan's speed. 3. Turn the temperature knob toward Temperature Knob the right for warmer air. 1 Move the air intake lever to=. Turn the knob toward the right to 4. Turn the fan knob toward HI. 2. Turnthe airflow knob to . increase the temperature. Turn the knob 5. You shouldswitch to once in a 3. Turn the temperature knob to the toward the left to decrease the while to avoid stale air and cloudy center. temperature. The temperature of the air windows. cannot be less than the temperature of 4. Turn the fan knob toward HI. the outside air.

101 = Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

Ventilation Defogging and Defrosl'ing When the outside temperatures are mild, Windows To defog the side windows, aim the side

very little heating is required. You can 1. Slide the air intake lever to )cS* vents toward the windows. If you have direct outside air through your vehicle in the air conditioning option, push the 2. Turnthe airflow knob to to this way: A/C button for quicker defogging. direct air to the windshield vents. 1. Move the air intake lever to r

103..= Comfort Controls& Audio Systems

Rear Window Defogger (opn~nr) elow-Thmugh Ventilidion System The rear window defogger uses a Do not attach anything like a temporary lour Geo’s flow-through ventilation warming grid to remove fog from the vehicle license or a decal across the ystem supplies outside air into the rear window. defogger grid on the rear window. ,chicle when it is moving. Outside air Press the switch to turn on the defogger. vill also enter the vehicle when the The defogger will stay onuntil you turn leater or the air conditioning fan is it off by pressing the switch again. Use unning . it only when the engine is running. Don’t use a razor blade or Make sure you turn the defogger off something else sharp on the inside when the window is clear. Leaving the of the rear window. If you do, you defogger on for a long time could cause could cut or damage the warming the battery to run down, especially grid, and the repairs wouldn’t be during stop and go driving. The covered by your warranty. defogger is not designed for drying water or melting snow.

I.. 104 Hearing damage from loud H Audio Systems noise is almost undetectable lentilation Tips Your Delco* audio system has been until it is too late. Your hearing Keep the hood and front air inlet free designed to operate easily and give years can adapt to higher volumesof of ice, snow, or any other obstruction of listening pleasure. But you will get sound. Sound that seems normal (such as leaves). The heater and the most enjoyment out of it if you Ican be loud and harmful to your defroster will work far better, acquaint yourself with it first. Find out hearing. Take precautions by reducing the chance of fogging the what your Delco@ system cando and adjusting the volume control on inside of your windows. how to operate all its controls, to be your radio to a safe sound level When you enter a vehicle in cold sure you're getting the most out of the before your hearing adapts to it. weather, move the fan knob toward advanced engineering that went into it. To help avoid hearing loss or HI for a few moments before driving damage: off. This helps clear the intake ducts Adjust the volume control to the of snow and moisture, and reduces lowest setting. the chance of fogging the inside of your windows. Increase volume slowly until you hear comfortably and Keep the air path under the front seats clearly. clear of objects. This helps air to circulate throughout your vehicle. 105 Comfort Controls& Audio Systems

Before you add any sound equipment to your vehicle - like a tape player, CB radio, mobile Seitlng the Clock telephone or two-way radio - be AM/FM Stereo 2. Press and hold RCL/PROG (TIME sure can add what you want. you 1. Press and hold RCL (TIME SET). SET). At the same time press and If you can, it's very important to At the same time press and hold hold TUNE b (MIN) until the do it properly. Added sound correct minute appears. TUNE 4 (HR)until the correct hour equipment may interfere with the appears. operation of your vehicle's engine, 2. Press and hold RCL (TIME SET). AM/F" Stereo with Cassette Tape Delco@'radio or other systems, and and Compact Disc Player even damage them. And, your At the same time press and hold vehicle's systems may interfere TUNE b (MIN) until the correct 1. Press and hold RCL V' (TIME with the operation of sound minute appears. SET). At the same time press and equipment that has been added hold TUNE 4 (HR)until the correct improperly. AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape hour appears. So, before adding sound Player 2. Press and hold RCL VA (TIME equipment, check with your dealer 1. Press and hold RCL/PROG (TIME SET). At the same time press and and be sure to check Federal rules SET). At the same time press and hold TUNE b (MIN) until the covering mobile radio and hold TUNE 4 (HR) until the correct correct minute appears. telephone units. hour appears.

11 i Tune Press TUNE b or TUNE 4 to go to a higher or lower station. Press either button and hold to continue tuning and release when you find your station, The display will indicate the frequency of AMIFM Stereo each station tuned. To Play the Radio AM-FM Seek Turn the ON/VOL knob to turn the Press AM-FM to get AM or FM. The Press SEEK b or SEEK 4 and the system on or off. lighted display shows your selection. radio will tune to the next higher or Volume lower station and stay there. Turn the ON/VOL knob to adjust the volume. Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

Pushbuttons Setting the Tone Adjusting the Speakers The six pushbuttons let you return to Bass: Turn the BASS knob to the right Fade: Turn the FADE knob to move the your favorite stations. To set the to hear more bass. sound between the front and rear pushbuttons for up to 12 stations (6 AM I'reble: Turn the TREB knob to the speakers. and 6 FM), just: right to hear more treble. Balance: Turn the BAL control behind 1. Tune in the station. the FADE knob to move the sound 2. Press and hold one of the between the right and left speakers. pushbuttons for at least two seconds. Recall The sound will go away for a second Press RCL to switch the display and will return when the station is between time and frequency. Or, press it stored. if you want to see the time when the Repeat these steps for each pushbutton. ignition is off.

. . 1c Seek Press SEEK b or SEEK 4 and the radio will tune to the next higher or lower station and stay there. Pushbuttons AM-FM The six pushbuttons let you return to AM/FM Stereo with Casserre your favorite stations. To set the Tape Player Press AM-FM to get AM, FM 1 or pushbuttons for up to 18 stations (6 AM, To Play the Radio FM2. The lighted display shows your 6 FM1 and 6 FM2), just: selection. Turn the ON/VOL knob to turn the 1. Tune in the station. Tune system on or off. 2. Press and hold one of the Volume Press TUNE b or TUNE 4 to go to a pushbuttons for at least two seconds. higher or lower station. Press either The sound will go away for a second Turn the ON/VOL knob to adjust the button and hold to continue tuning and volume. and will return when the station is release when you find your station. The stored. display will indicate the frequency of each station tuned, Repeat these steps for each pushbutton. Comfort Controls& Audio Systems

Setting the Tone Tone Select Adjusting the Speakers Bass: Turn the BASS control to the Press TONE SELECT to choose preset Fade: Turn the FADE knob to move the right to hear more bass. treble and bass equalization settings sound between the front and rear Treble: Turn the TREB knob in front designed for “ROCK,” “NEWS,” speakers, of the BASS control to the right to hear “POP,” “JAZZ” and “CLASSICAL.” Balance: Turn the BAL control behind more treble. “ROCK” will appear when you first the FADE knob to move the sound press TONE SELECT. Each time you between the right and left speakers. Loud press TONE SELECT another setting To increase the bass tone at low will appear on the display. Press TONE Preset Scan volumes, press the LOUD button. SELECT again after “CLASSICAL” Press the PRESET SCAN button to and control of the tone will be back to hear each of your preset stations for a the treble and bass knobs. few seconds. When you want to stop at a chosen station, press PRESET SCAN again.

110 Recall To Play a Cassette Tape Your bias is set automatically. When a Press RCL/PROG to switch the display Your tape player is built to work best metal or chrome tape is inserted, between time and frequency. Or, press it with tapes that are 30 to 45 minutes long “MTL” is shown on the display. if you want to see the time when the on each side. Tapes longer than that are Fast Forward ignition is off. so thin they may not work well in this Press FF to rapidly advance to another player. part of the tape. Press FF, RCLIPROG The longer side with the tape visible or to return to playingspeed. should face to the right. If you hear Rewind nothing or hear just a garbled sound, it may not be in squarely. Press H Press REW to rapidly reverse the tape. (Stop/Eject) to remove the tape and start Press REW, RCL/PROG or to return to playing speed. .+ over. Once the tape is playing, use the knobs for volume and balance, just as To Play the Next Selection you do for radio. The lighted arrows Press NEXT to go forward to the show which side of the tape is playing. beginning of the next selection.

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For NEXT to work properly, your tape Dolby DD@ Radio Monitor must have at least three or four seconds Press 00 to remove noise from Press the RADIO MNTR button to hear of silence between each selection. Dolby DD@ NR-encoded tapes. the radio when you are fast forwarding Previous Dolby@ Noise Reduction is or reversing a cassette tape. You can use Press PREV to hear the last selection manufactured under license from Dolb'Y the TUNE, SEEK and PRESET SCAN over. Press PREV again or press Laboratories Licensing Corporation. buttons while in the radio monitor RCL/PROG or tocancel this Dolby and the double-D symbol are mode. function, trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Program Eject Press RCL/PROG to switch from one side of the tape to the other. Presstoremove the tape or stop the tape and switch to radio. Your cassette tape player can play continuously because the player has an auto-reverse feature. Theft-Deterrent Feature reason, you must enter the security code 5. Press 4 SEEK b and/or The theft-deterrent feature for the audio again before the system will turn on. 4 TUNE and b‘OOOO’’will appear system with cassette tape player can be 1. Write down any four-digit number on the display. used or ignored. If ignored, the system and keep it in a safe place. 6. Press SEEK 4 and hold it until the plays normally. If it is used, your 2. Turn the ignition switch to the ACC first digit of your code appears. system won’t be usable if it’s ever or position. Release the button. stolen. ON 3. Turn the audio system off. 7. Press SEEK b and hold it until the Setting Your Security Code second digit of your code appears. 4. Press the 1 and 4 buttons together. The instructions below tell you how to Release the button. Hold them down until bb----” shows enter a security code into the system. If on the display. 8. Press TUNE 4 and hold it until the your vehicle loses battery power for any You are now ready to enter your third digit of your code appears. Release the button. security code. Don’t wait more than 15 seconds between steps.

113 Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

9. Press TUNE b and hold it until the How to Shut Off the Theft-Deterrent 2. Press the SEEK 4 button and hold it fourth digit of your code appears. Feature until the first digit of your code Release the button. If your radio is secured (“SEC” shows appears. 10. Press AM-FM after you have on the display) and you wish to disable 3. Press the SEEK b button and hold it checked that the code you entered it, enter your security code as follows until the second digit of your code is the one you wrote down. Your pausing no more than 15 seconds appears. code is now stored and “SEC” will between steps: 4. Press the TUNE 4 button and hold it appear on the display. 1. Press the 1 and 4 buttons together. until the third digit of your code Hold them down until “----” shows appears. on the display. You are now ready to 5. Pressthe TUNE buttonand hold it enter your security code. until the fourth digit of your code appears. 6. Press AM-FM after you have To Unlock the System after a Power 3. Press the SEEK b button and hold it checked that the code you entered Loss until the second digit of your code matches the one you wrote down. If power is disrupted to the radio while appears. “----” should now appear in the in the “SEC” mode, the unit will not 4. Press the TUNE 4 button and hold it display. work and “LOC” will show on the until the third digit of your code If the code is correct, the radio will display whenever the ignition is on. To appears. operate. If the code is wrong, “Err” unlock the unit: 5. Press the TUNE b button and hold it will appear in the display. 1. Press 4 SEEK b and/or until the fourth digit of your code 4 TUNE b and ‘‘oo00” will appear appears. on the display. 6. Press AM-FM after you have 2. Press the SEEK 4 button and hold it checked that the code matches the until the first digit of your code one you wrote down. Now “SEC” appears. will appear in the display. Comfort Controls& Audio Systems

THEFTDETERRENT UOLS-E!-V!I FADE BAL *a0 @% II STOP RE W RPT FF 1 2 3 CD*TP EJECT 4 5 6 AM+M PSCAN PRV RDM NXT p WEIT 3

TREB BASS Seek ua MIN TONE vo' SELECT ' a I Press SEEK b or SEEK 4 and the radio will tune to the next higher or lower station and stay there. Pushbuttons AM/FM Stereo with Cassette AM-FM The six pushbuttons let you return to Tape and Compact Disc Player Press AM-F" to get AM, FM1 or your favorite stations. To set the pushbuttons for up to 18 stations (6 AM, To Play the Radio FM2. The lighted display shows your selection. 6 FMl and 6 FM2), just: Turn the ON/VOL knob to turn the 1. Tune in the station. system on or off. Tune 2. Press and hold one of the Volume Press TUNE F or TUNE 4 to go to a higher or lower station. Press either pushbuttons for at least two seconds. Turn the ON/VOL knob to adjust the button and hold to continue tuning and The sound will go away for a second volume. release when you find your station, The and will return when the station is display will indicate the frequency of stored. each station tuned. Repeat these steps for each pushbutton. ...116 I Setting the Tone Tone Select Adjusting the Speakers Bass: Turn the BASS control to the Press TONE SELECT to choose preset Fade: Turn the FADE knob to move the right to hear more bass. treble and bass equalization settings sound between the front and rear Treble: Turn the TREB knob in front designed for “ROCK,” “NEWS,” speakers. of the BASS control to the right to hear “POP,” “JAZZ” and “CLASSICAL.” Balance: Turn the BAL control behind more treble. “ROCK” will appear when you first the FADE knob to move the sound press TONE SELECT. Each time you between the right and left speakers. Loud press TONE SELECT another setting To increase the bass tone at low will appear on the display. Press TONE Preset Scan volumes, press the LOUD button. SELECT again after “CLASSICAL” Press the PSCAN button to hear each and control of the tone will be back to of your preset stations for a few the treble and bass knobs. seconds. When you want to stop at a chosen station, press PSCAN again.

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Recall over. Once the tape is playing, use the To Play the Next Selection Press RCL VA to switch the display knobs for volume and balance, just as Press NXT to go forward to the between time and frequency. Or, press it you do for radio. The lighted arrows beginning of the next selection. if you want to see the time when the show which side of the tape is playing. ignition is off. Your bias is set automatically. When a Repeat To Play a Cassette Tape metal or chrome tape is inserted, Press RPT to go back to the beginning “MTL’ * will appear in the display. of the selection. Your tape player is built to work best with tapes that are to 45 minutes long Fast Forward For NXT and RPT to work properly, 30 your tape must have at least three or on each side. Tapes longer than that are Press FF to rapidly advance to another so thin they may not work well in this four seconds of silence between each part of the tape. Press FF, RCL VA or selection. player. STOP to return to playing speed. Previous The longer side with the tape visible Rewind should face to the right. If you hear Press PRV to hear a selection again. nothing or hear just a garbled sound, it Press REW to rapidly reverse the tape. may not be in squarely. Press STOP or Press REW, RCLVA or STOP to EJECT to remove the tape and start return to playing speed. Dolby DD@ Recall If the disc comes back out, it could be Press 00 toremove noise from Press RCL VA to switch from one side that : Dolby DD@ NR-encoded tapes. of the tape to the other. The disc is upside down. Dolby@ Noise Reduction is STOP It is dirty, scratched, or wet. manufactured under license from Dolby Press STOP to stop the tape and switch There is too much moisture in the air. Laboratories Licensing Corporation. to radio. (If there is, wait about one hour and Dolby and the double-D symbol are try again). trademarks of Dolby Laboratories To Play a Compact Disc Licensing Corporation. Before you begin, please note: don’t use If you see “Err” on the display, the disc player is too hot to play the disc. Radio Monitor the mini-discs that are called “singles. ” They won’t eject. Use full-size compact Press RCL VA to take “Err” off the When playing a tape, press RDM during discs. display. FF’or REW to hear the radio. Press RDM again to turn the radio off. Insert your disc into the CD slot on your During RDM operation, only TUNE, audio system. SEEK and PSCAN will work.

llQ= Comfort Controls& Audio Systems

Recall NEXT Compression Press RCLV' to see which track is Press NXT to hear the next track now Press COMP to make soft and loud playing. Press it again within 5 seconds (instead of waiting until the present passages more nearly equal in volume. to see how long it has been playing. track is finished). Repeat The track number also appears when the If you hold this button, or press it more Press RPT once to hear a selection ovc- disc is inserted or you change the than once, the disc will advance further. again. volume. Rewind Random Previous Press and hold REW to rapidly return ta Pressing RDM will cause the CD player Press PRV to hear a track again. a favorite passage. Release it to play the to play the tracks back in random order. If you hold this button, or press it more passage. To cancel the random feature. press than once, the disc will return to Fast Forward RDM, STOP or RPT. previous tracks. Press and hold FF to advance quickly within a track. Release it to resume playing.

' I20 STOP EJECT Theft-Deterrent Feature Press STOP to stop playing the disc and Press EJECT to eject the disc and the The theft-deterrent feature for the switch to radio. Press STOP again to radio will play. The disc will start AM/FM stereo with cassette tape and restart the disc at the point where it playing at track 1 when you reinsert it. compact disc player can be used or stopped. Special Eject ignored. If ignored, the system plays normally. If it is used, your system AM-FM If you choose, you can eject only the won't be usable if it's ever stolen. tape or when you have both a In the CD mode, pressing AM-F" will CD CD Setting Your Security Code cancel the CD operation and return to and a tape in your audio system. radio. CD Only: To eject only the CD, press The instructions below tell you how to EJECT and .then pressREW. enter a security code into the system. If CD-TAPE your vehicle loses battery power for any Tape Only: To eject only the tape, Press CD-TP to switch between playing press EJECT and then press PRV. a tape and a CD when both are inserted.

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reason, you must enter the security code 5. Press 4 SEEK b and/or 10. Press AM-FM after you have again before the system willturn on. 4 TUNE b and “oooO” will appear checked that the code you entered 1. Write down any four-digit number on the display. is the one you wrote down. “rEP” and keep it in a safe place. 6. Press SEEK 4 and hold it until the will appear in the display which means you need to repeat steps 5-9. 2. Turn the ignition switch to the ACC first digit of your code appears. or ON position. Release the button. 11. Press AM-FM again and the display will now show “SEC. ” 3. Turn the audio system off. 7. Press SEEK b and hold it until the second digit of your code appears. How to Shut Off the Theft-Deterrent 4. Press the 1 and 4 buttons together. Release the button. Feature Hold them down until ‘‘----” shows on the display. 8. Press TUNE 4 and hold it until the If your radio is secured (“SEC” shows third digit of your code appears. on the display) and you wish to disable You are now ready to enter your Release the button. it, enter your security code as follows security code. Don’t wait more than 15 pausing no more than 15 seconds seconds between steps. 9. Press TUNE b and hold it until the fourth digit of your code appears. between steps: Release the button. pausing no more than 15 seconds 5. Press the TUNE b button and hold it To Unlock the System after a Power between steps: until the fourth digit of your code LOSS 1 Press the 1 and 4 buttons together. appears* If power is disrupted to the radio while Hold them down until “----” shows 6. Press AM-F’M after you have in the “SEC” mode, the unit will not on the display. You are now ready to checked that the code you entered work and “LOC” will show on the enter your security code. matches the one you wrote down. display whenever the ignition is on. To 2. Press the SEEK 4 button and hold it “----” should now appear in the unlock the unit: until the first digit of your code display. 1, Press 4 SEEK b and/or appears. If the code is correct, the radio will 4 TUNE b and “oo00” will appear 3. Press the SEEK b button and hold it operate. If the code is wrong, “Err” on the display. until the second digit of your code will appear in the display. 2. Press the SEEK 4 button and hold it appears. until the first digit of your code 4. Press the TUNE 4 button and hold it appears. until the third digit of your code 3. Press the SEEK b button and hold it appears. until the second digit of your code appears. 123. Comfort Controls& Audio Systems

Understanding Radio Reception Care of Your Cassette Tape 4. Press the TUNE 4 button and hold it FM Stereo Player until the third digit of your code FM Stereo will give you the best sound, A tape player that is not cleaned appears. but FM signals will reach only about 10 regularly can cause reduced sound 5. Press the TUNE b button and hold it to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). And, tall quality, ruined cassettes, or a damaged until the fourth digit of your code buildings or hills can interfere with FM mechanism. Cassette tapes should be appears. signals, causing the sound to come and stored in their cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight, and 6. Press AM-F” after you have go* checked that the code matches the AM extreme heat. If they aren’t, they may one you wrote down. Now not operate properly or cause failure of “SEC” The range for most AM stations is the tape player. will appear in the display. greater than for FM, especially at night. The longer range, however, can cause Your tape player should be cleaned stations to interfere with each other. AM regularly each month or after every 15 can pick up noise from things like hours of use. If you notice a reduction storms and power lines. Try reducing the treble to reduce this noise if you ever get it.

9 124 i Ar.' ,

Care of Your Compact Disc Antenna in sound quality, try a known good Handle discs carefully. Store them in Use the knob on the end of the antenna cassette to see if the tape or the tape their original cases or other protective to raise the antenna or to push it back player is at fault. If this other cassette cases and away from direct sunlight and down. Keep the antenna mast clean for has no improvement in sound quality, dust. If the surface of a disc is soiled, good performance. clean the tape player. dampen a clean, soft cloth in a mild, Always lower the antenna before Clean your tape player with a neutral detergent solution and clean it, entering a car wash. wiping-action, non-abrasive cleaning wiping from the center to the edge. cassette and follow the directions Be sure to never touch the signal surface provided with it. when handling discs. Pick up discs by Cassettes are subject to wear and the grasping the outer edges or the edge of sound quality may degrade over time. the hole and the outer edge. Always make sure that the cassette tape is in good condition before you have your tape player serviced. -. i. , .,.. ., Part 4 Your Driving and the Road

Here you^ find information Road Signs...... 128 about driving on different kinds DefensiveDriving ...... 132 of roads and in varying weather DrunkenDriving ...... 133 conditions. We've also included Control of a Vehicle...... 137 many other useful tips on driving. DrivingatNight ...... 150 Driving in the Rain ...... 153 Driving in Fog. Mist and Haze ...... 155 City Driving ...... 157 Freeway Driving ...... 158 Driving a Long Distance ...... 161 HillandMountainRoads ...... 163 ParkingonHills ...... 165 WinterDriving ...... 167 TowingTrailer a ...... 171

127. Your Driving and the Road

STOP

W W LOW FLAGGER LOW WORKERS c SHOULDERAHEAD AHEAD Color of Road Signs ORANGE indicates road construction or RED means STOP. It may also indicate maintenance. You’ll want to slow down that some movement is not allowed. when you see an orange sign, as part of Examples are DO NOT ENTER and the road may be closed off or torn up. Road Signs WRONG WAY. And there may be workers and The road signs you see everywhere are maintenance vehicles around, too. coded by color, shape and symbols. It’s a good idea to know these codes so that you can quickly grasp the basic meaning or intent of the sign even before you 11 have a chance to read it. MALLTOWN ANYTOWN 1 MI41 RAILROAD NARROW ADVANCE BRIDGE CROSSING YELLOW indicates a general warning. GREEN is used to guide the driver. Slow down and be careful when you see Green signs may indicate upcoming a yellow sign. It may signal a railroad freeway exits or show the direction you crossing ahead, a no-passing zone, or should turn to reach a particular place. some other potentially dangerous situation. Likewise, a yellow solid line painted on the road means “Don’t Cross.” HOSPITAL INFORMATIONHOSPITAL BLUE signs with white letters show Shape of Road Signs A TRIANGLE, pointed downward, motorists’ services. The shape of the sign will tell you indicates YIELD. It assigns the something, too. right-of-way to traffic on certain approaches to an intersection. An OCTAGONAL (eight-sided) sign means STOP. It is always red with white letters. > / CANOEING SWIMMINGCANOEING END DIVIDED HIGHWAY BROWN signs point out recreation A DIAMOND-shaped sign is a warning A TRIANGULAR sign also is used on areas or points of historic or cultural of something ahead - for example, a two-lane roads to indicate a NO interest. curve, steep hill, soft shoulder, or a PASSING ZONE. This sign will be on narrow bridge. the left side of the roadway. Your Driving and the Road

KEEP LEFT OR RIGHT TURN NO RIGHT RIGHT THROUGH ONLY FOOD 8TURN RECTANGULAR (square or oblong) Symbols on Road Signs signs show speed limits, parking There are many international road signs regulations, give directions and such in use today. I information as distances to cities. Traffic Lights We’re all familiar with traffic lights or stop lights. Often green arrows are being used in the lights for improved traffic control. On some multilane roads, green arrows light up, indicating that NO U NO NO traffic in one or more lanes can move or TURN BICYCLES PARKING make a turn. Green arrows don’t mean The basic message of many of these “go no matter what.’’ You’ll still need signs is in pictures or graphic symbols. to proceed with caution, yielding the A picture within a circle with a diagonal right of way to pedestrians and line across it shows what not to do. sometimes to other vehicles. Some traffic lights also use red arrows to signify that you must stop before turning. REVERSIBLE LANE ON MULTI-LANE ROADWAY NO PASSING ZONE

Many city roads and expressways, and Pavement Markings Your Own Signals even bridges, use reversible-lane traffic Pavement markings add to traffic signs Drivers signal to others, too. It’s not control during rush hours. A red X light and signals. They give information to only more polite, it’s safer to let other above a lane means no driving in that drivers without taking attention from the drivers know what you are doing. And lane at that time. A green arrow means roadway. A solid yellow line on your in some places the law requires driver you may drive in that lane. Look for the side of the road or lane means “don’t signals. signs posted to warn drivers what hours cross. ’ ’ and days these systems are in effect. Turn and lane change signals: Always signal when you plan to turn or change lanes. If necessary, you can use hand signals out the window: Left arm straight out for a left turn, down for slow or about-to-stop, and up for a right turn.

131 Your Driving and the Road

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

Dm. 132 H Drunken Driving Pedestrians can be careless. Watch for the least dangerous times for driving, Death and injury associated with them. In general, you must give way to every week, fall on the same day. That drinking and driving is a national pedestrians even if you know you have day is Sunday. The most dangerous time tragedy. It’s the number one contributor the right of way. is Sunday from 3 a.m. to 4 a.m. The to the highway death toll, claiming Rear-end collisions are about the most safest time is Sunday from 10 a.m. to thousands of victims every year. preventable of accidents. Yet they are 11 a.m. Driving the same distance on a Alcohol takes away three things that common. Allow enough following Sunday at 3 a.m. isn’t just a little more anyone needs to drive a vehicle: distance. It’s the best defensive driving dangerous than it is at 10 a.m. It’s about Judgment 134 times more dangerous! maneuver, in both city and rural Muscular Coordination driving. You never know when the That leads to the next section. vehicle in front of you is going to brake Vision

~ or turn suddenly. Police records show that half of all Here’s a final bit of information about motor vehicle-related deaths involve defensive driving. The most dangerous alcohol - a driver, a passenger or time for driving in the U .S. is very someone else, such as a pedestrian, had early on Sunday morning. In fact, GM been drinking. In most cases, these Research studies show that the most and Your Driving and the Road

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

...134 DRINKING THAT WILL RESULT IN A BAC OF .OS% IN TClF TIME SHOWN

3 HOURS

2 nOuRS

It’s the amount of alcohol that counts. l& 120 140 180 100 200 220 240 approaching 0.05 percent, and that the For example, if the same person drank BODY WEIGHT IN POUNDS effects are worse at night. All drivers three double martinis (3 ounces or 90 ml are impaired at BAC levels above 0.05 of liquor each) within an hour, the The law in most U.S. states sets the percent. Statistics show that the chance person’s BAC would be close to 0.12 legal limit at a BAC of 0.10 percent. In of being in an accident increases sharply percent. A person who consumes food Canada the limit is 0.08 percent, and in for drivers who have a BAC of 0.05 just before or during drinking will have some other countries it’s lower than percent or above. A driver with a BAC a slightly lower BAC level. that. The BAC will be over 0.10 percent level of 0.06 percent (three beers in one after three to six drinks (in one hour). hour for a 180-pound or 82 kg person) Of course, as we’ve seen, it depends on has doubled his or her chance of having how much alcohol is in the drinks, and an accident. At a BAC level of 0.10 how quickly the person drinks them. percent, the chance of that driver having But it’s very important to keep in mind an accident is six times greater; at a that the ability to drive is affected well level of 0.15 percent, the chances are below a BAC of 0.10 percent. Research twenty-five times greater! And, the body shows that the driving skills of many takes about an hour to rid itself of the people are impaired at a BAC

135. * Your Driving and the Road

alcohol in one drink. No amount of There’s something else about drinking coffee or number of cold showers will and driving that many people don’t Drinking and then driving is speed that up. know. Medical research shows that very dangerous. Your ‘‘I’ll be careful” isn’t the right answer. alcohol in a person’s system can make reflexes, perceptions, and What if there’s an emergency, a need to crash injuries worse. That’s especially judgment will be affected by even take sudden action, as when a child true for brain, spinal cord and heart a small amount of alcohol. You darts into the street? A person with a injuries. That means that if anyone who could have a serious - or even higher BAC might not be able to react has been drinking - driver or passenger fatal - accident if you drive after quickly enoueh to avoid the collision. - is in a crash, the chance of being drinking. Please don’t drink and killed or permanently disabled is higher drive or ride with a driver who has than if that person had not been been drinking. Ride home in a drinking. And we’ve already seen that cab; or if you’re with a group, the chance of a crash itself is higher for designate a driver who will not drinking drivers. drink. Control of a Venicle Braking You have three systems that make your Braking action involves perception time keeping enough space between your vehicle go where you want it to go. and reaction time. vehicle and others is important. They are the brakes, the steering and thc First, you have to decide to push on the And, of course, actual stopping accelerator. All three systems have to dc brake pedal. That's perception time. distances vary greatly with the surface their work at the places where the tires Then you have to bring up your foot and of the road (whether it's pavement or meet the road. do it. That's reaction time. gravel); the condition of the road (wet, Sometimes, as when you're driving on Average reaction time is about 3/4 of a dry, icy); tire tread; and the condition of snow or ice, it's easy to ask more of second. But that's only an average. It your brakes. those control systems than the tires and might be less with one driver and as Most drivers treat their brakes with road can provide. That means you can long as two or three seconds or more care. Some, however, overwork the lose control of your vehicle. with another. Age, physical condition, braking system with poor driving habits. alertness, coordination, and eyesight all Avoid needless heavy braking. Some play a part. So do alcohol, drugs and people drive in spurts - heavy frustration. But even in 3/4 of a second, acceleration followed by heavy a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) braking - rather than keeping pace travels 66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an emergency, so Your Driving and the Road

I with traffic. This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool “Riding” your brakes can “Riding” your brakes wears them between hard stops. Your brakes will A cause them to overheat to the out much faster. You would need wear out much faster if you do a lot point that they won’t work well. costly brake replacement much of. heavy braking. You might not be able to stop your sooner than normal, and it also Don’t “ride” the brakes by letting vehicle in time to avoid an reduces fuel economy. your left foot rest lightly on the brake accident. If you “ride” your pedal while driving. brakes, they will get so hot they If you keep pace with the traffic and will require a lot of pedal force to allow realistic following distances, you slow you down. Avoid “rjding” will eliminate a lot of unnecessary the brakes. 1braking. That means better braking and ilonger brake life.

- 138 If your engine ever stops while you’re Anti-Lock Brakes (OPTION) And this light on the instrument panel driving, brake normally but don’t If your Geo has this system, your Geo will go on when you start your vehicle. pump your brakes. If you do, the has an advanced electronic braking When you start your vehicle and begin pedal may get harder to push down. If system that will help prevent skidding. to drive away, you may hear a your engine stops, you will still have momentary motor or clicking noise. And some power brake assist. But you will If you have an anti-lock brake system (ABS), the brake pedal will say so. you may even notice that your brake use it when you brake. Once the pedal moves a little while this is going power assist is used up, it may take on. This is the ABS system testing longer to stop and the brake pedal itself. If you have your foot on the will be harder to push. brake pedal, this check won’t happen until the vehicle goes about 4 mph (6 km/h) or until you take your foot off the brake pedal. Your Driving and the Road

After an ABS stop, you may hear a Here’s how anti-lock works. Let’s say As you brake, your computer keeps clicking noise the next time the vehicle the road is wet. You’re driving safely. receiving updates on wheel speed and goes about 4 mph (6 km/h). Suddenly an animal jumps out in front controls braking pressure accordingly. If there’s a problem with the anti-lock of you. brake system, the anti-lock brake system You slam on the brakes. Here’s what I CAUTION warning light will stay on or flash. See happens with ABS. “Anti-lock Brake Warning Light” in the A computer senses that wheels are Anti-lock doesn’t change the Index. slowing down. The computer separately A time you need to get your foot works the brakes at each front wheel up to the brake pedal. If you get and at the rear wheels. too close to the vehicle in front of you, you won’t have time to apply The anti-lock system can change the your brakes if that vehicle brake pressure faster than any driver suddenly slows or stops. Always could. The computer is programmed to leave enough room up ahead to make the most of available tire and road stop, even though you have conditions. anti-lock brakes. You can steer around the obstacle while braking hard. ..I140 To Use Anti-Luck: Don’t pump the be heard all the time your vehicle is brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down moving (except when you are pushing Continuing to drive with worn-out and let anti-lock work for you. You also on the brake pedal firmly). brake pads could result in costly may hear a clicking noise as you brake repair. accelerate after a hard stop. When the ABS is active, the “ABS ACTIVE’’ The brake wear warning Some driving conditions or climates may light comes on to indicate low traction sound means that sooner or cause a brake squeal when the brakes conditions. Adjust your driving later your brakes won’t work well. are first applied or lightly applied. This accordingly.1 That could lead to an accident. does not mean something is wrong with Disc Brake Wear Indicators When you hear the brake wear your brakes. Your Geo has front disc brakes and rear warning sound, have your vehicle drum brakes. Disc brake pads have serviced. built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are needed. The sound may come and go or 141 -- Your Driving and the Road

Rear Drum Brakes Brake Adjustment Braking in Emergencies Your rear drum brakes don’t have wear Every time you make a moderate brake At some time, nearly every driver gets indicators, but if you ever hear a rear stop, your disc brakes adjust for wear. into a situation that requires hard brake rubbing noise, have the rear brake If you rarely make a moderate or braking. If you have anti-lock, you can linings inspected. Also, the rear brake heavier stop, then your brakes might not steer and brake at the same time. drums should be removed and inspected adjust correctly. If you drive in that However, if you don’t have anti-lock, each time the tires are removed for way, then - very carefully - make a your first reaction - to hit the brake rotation or changing. When you have few moderate brake stops about every pedal hard and hold it down - may be the front brakes replaced, have the rear 1,OOO miles (1 600 km), so your brakes the wrong thing to do. Your wheels can brakes inspected, too. will adjust properly. stop rolling. Once they .do, the vehicle Brake linings should always be replaced If your brake pedal goes down farther can’t respond to your steering. as complete axle sets. than normal, your rear drum brakes may Momentum will carry it in whatever Brake Pedal Travel need adjustment. Adjust them by direction it was headed when the wheels stopped rolling. That could be off the See your dealer if the brake pedal does backing up and firmly applying the brakes a few times. road, into the very thing you were not return to normal height, or if there trying to avoid, or into traffic. is a rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble. Steering If you don’t have anti-lock, use a Power Steering the tires against the road surface makes “squeeze” braking technique. This will If you lose power steering assist because it possible for the vehicle to change its give you maximum braking while the engine stops or the system fails to path when you turn the front wheels. If maintaining steering control. You do function, you can steer but it will take there’s no traction, inertia will keep the this by pushing on the brake pedal with much more effort. vehicle going in the same direction. If steadily increasing pressure. you’ve ever tried to steer a vehicle on Steering Tips In an emergency you will probably want wet ice, you’ll understand this. to “squeeze” the brakes hard without Driving on Curves The traction you can. get in a curve locking the wheels. If you hear or feel It’s important to take curves at a depends on the condition of your tires the wheels sliding, ease off the brake reasonable speed. and the road surface, the angle at which pedal. This will help you retain steering A lot of the “driver lost control” the curve is banked, and your speed. control. (If you do have anti-lock, it’s accidents mentioned on the news happen While you’re in a curve, speed is the different: see Index under “Anti-Lock on curves. Here’s why: one factor you can control. Brake System.” Experienced driver or beginner, each of Suppose you’re steering through a sharp In many emergencies, steering can help us is subject to the same laws of physics curve. Then you suddenly apply the you more than even the very best when driving on curves. The traction of brakes. Both control systems - steering , braking. 148.-. Your Driving and the Road

and braking - have to do their work What should you do if this ever Try to adjust your speed so you can where the tires meet the road. Unless happens? Let up on the brake or “drive” through the curve. Maintain a you have four-wheel anti-lock brakes, accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the reasonable, steady speed. Wait to adding the hard braking can demand too way you want it to go, and slow down. accelerate until you are out of the curve, much at those places. You can lose Speed limit signs near curves warn that and then accelerate gently into the control. you should adjust your speed. Of straightaway. The same thing can happen if you’re course, the posted speeds are based on When you drive into a curve at night, steering through a sharp curve and you good weather and road conditions. it’s harder to see the road ahead of you suddenly accelerate. Under less favorable conditions you’ll because it bends away from the straight Those two control systems - steering want to go slower. beams of your lights. This is one good and acceleration - can overwhelm those If you need to reduce your speed as you reason to.drive slower. places where the tires meet the road and approach a curve, do it before you enter make you lose control. the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead.

= 9 144 Steering in Emergencies It is better to remove as much speed as Depending on your speed, this can be There are times when steering can be you can from a possible collision. Then rather violent for an unprepared driver. more effective than braking. For steer around the problem, to the left or This is one of the reasons driving example, you come over a hill and find right depending on the space available. experts recommend that you use your a truck stopped in your lane, or a car An emergency like this requires close safety belts and keep both hands on the suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a attention and a quick decision. If you steering wheel. child darts out from between parked cars are holding the steering wheel at the The fact that such emergency situations and stops right in front of you. You can recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, are always possible is a good reason to avoid these problems by braking - if you can turn it a full 180 degrees very practice defensive driving at all times. you can stop in time. But sometimes you quickly without removing either hand. can’t; there isn’t room. That’s the time But you have to act fast, steer quickly, for evasive action - steering around the and just as quickly straighten the wheel problem. once you have avoided the object. You Your Geo can perform very well in must then be prepared to steer back to emergencies like these. First apply your your original lane and then brake to a brakes - but, unless you have anti-lock, controlled stop. not enough to lock your wheels. Your Drlvlng and the Road

Passing

... .. Off-Road Recovery If the shoulder appears to beabout four The driver of a vehicle about to pass .. You may find sometime that your right inches (100 mm) or more below the another on a two-lane highway waits for wheels have dropped off the edge of a pavement, this difference can cause just the right moment, accelerates, road onto the shoulder (A) while you’re problems. If there is not enough room to moves around the vehicle ahead, then driving. pull entirely onto the shoulder and stop, goes back into the right lane again. A then follow the same procedures. But if simple maneuver? If the level of the shoulder is only the right front tire scrubs against the Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle ,slightly below the pavement, recovery side of the pavement, do NOT steer should be fairly easy. Ease off the on a two-lane highway is a potentially more sharply. With too much steering dangerous move, since the passing accelerator and then, if there is nothing angle, the vehicle may jump back onto in the way, steer so that your vehicle vehicle occupies the same lane as the road with so much steering input oncoming traffic for several seconds. A straddles the edge of the pavement. You that it crosses over into the oncoming can turn the steering wheel up to 114 miscalculation, an error in judgment, or traffic before you can bring it back a brief surrender to frustration or anger turn (B) until the right front tire contacts under control. the pavement edge. Then turn your can suddenly put the passing driver face steering wheel to go straight down the Instead, ease off again on the accelerator to face with the worst of all traffic roadway. and steering input, straddle the accidents - the head-on collision. pavement once more, then try again. So here are some tips for passing: Never cross a solid line on your side Also, you won’t have adequate space if the vehicle ahead suddenly slows or “Drive ahead.” Look down the road, of the lane or a double solid line. I to the sides, and to crossroads for even if the road seems empty of stops. Keep back a reasonable situations that might affect your approaching traffic. distance. passing patterns. If you have any If you suspect that the driver of the When it looks like a chance to pass is doubt whatsoever about making a vehicle you want to pass isn’t aware coming up, start to accelerate but stay successful pass, wait for a better time. of your presence, tap the horn a in the right lane and don’t get too couple of times before passing. close. Time your move so you will be Watch for traffic signs, pavement increasing speed as the time comes to markings, and lines. If you can see a Do not get too close to the vehicle move into the other lane. If the way is sign up ahead that might indicate a you want to pass while you’re clear to pass, you will have a turn or an intersection, delay your awaiting an opportunity. For one “running start” that more than makes pass. A broken center line usually thing, following too closely reduces up for the distance you would lose by indicates it’s all right to pass your area of vision, especially if dropping back. And if something (providing the road ahead is clear). you’re following a larger vehicle. happens to cause you to cancel your pass, you need only slow down and drop back again and wait for another opportunity. Your Driving and the Road

loss of Control If other cars are lined up to pass a right lane. (Remember that your right Let’s review what driving experts say slow vehicle, wait your turn. But take outside mirror is convex. The vehicle abut what happens when the three care that someone isn’t trying to pass you just passed may seem to be control systems (brakes, steering and you as you pull out to pass the slow further away from you than it acceleration) don’t have enough friction vehicle. Remember to glance over really is). where the tires meet the road to do what your shoulder and check the blind Try not to pass more than one vehicle the driver has asked. spot. at a time on two-lane roads. In any emergency, don’t give up. Keep Check your mirrors, glance over your Reconsider before passing the next trying to steer and constantly seek an shoulder, and start your left lane vehicle. escape route or area of less danger. change signal before moving out of Don’t overtake a slowly moving Skidding the right lane to pass. When you are vehicle too rapidly. Even though the far enough ahead of the passed In a skid, a driver can lose control of brake lights are not flashing, it may the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid vehicle to see its front in your inside be slowing down or starting to turn. mirror, activate your right lane most skids by taking reasonable care change signal and move back into the If you’re being passed, make it easy suited to existing conditions, and by not for the following driver to get ahead “overdriving ” those conditions. But of you. Perhaps you can ease a little skids are always possible. to the right. . 148 The three types of skids correspond to way you want the vehicle to go. If you While driving on a surface with reduced your Geo’s three control systems. In the start steering quickly enough, your traction, try your best to avoid sudden I braking skid your wheels aren’t rolling. vehicle will straighten out. As it does, steering, acceleration, or braking In the steering or cornering skid, too straighten the front wheels. (including engine braking by shifting to much speed or steering in a curve causes Of course, traction is reduced when a lower gear). Any sudden changes tires to slip and lose cornering force. water, snow, ice, gravel, or other could cause the tires to slide. You may And in the acceleration skid too much material is on the road. For safety, not realize the surface is slippery until throttle causes the driving wheels to you’ll want to slow down and adjust your vehicle is skidding. Learn to spin. your driving to these conditions. It is recognize warning clues - such as A cornering skid and an acceleration important to slow down on slippery enough water, ice or packed snow on skid are best handled by easing your surfaces because stopping distance will the road to make a “mirrored surface’’ foot off the accelerator pedal. be longer and vehicle control more - and slow down when you have any doubt. If your vehicle starts to slide (as when limited. you turn a corner on a wet, snow- or ice-covered road), ease your foot off the accelerator pedal as soon as you feel the vehicle start to slide. Quickly steer the Your Driving and the Road

. .. Driving at Night If you have the anti-lock braking Night driving is more dangerous than Since you can’t see as well, you may system, remember: It helps avoid only day driving. One reason is that some need to slow down and keep more the braking skid. If you do not have drivers are likely to be impaired - by space between you and other vehicles. anti-lock, then in a braking skid (where alcohol or drugs, with night vision It’s hard to tell how fast the vehicle the wheels are no longer rolling), problems, or by fatigue. ahead is going just by looking at its release enough pressure on the brakes to Here are some tips on night driving. taillights. get the wheels rolling again. This Slow down, especially on higher restores steering control. Push the brake Drive defensively. Remember, this is the most dangerous time. speed roads. Your headlights can light pedal down steadily when you have to up only so much road ahead. stop suddenly. As long as the wheels are Don’t drink and drive. (See rolling, you will have steering control. “Drunken Driving” in the Index for In remote areas, watch for animals. Steer the way you want to go. more on this problem.) If you’re tired, pull off the road in a Adjust your inside rearview mirror to safe place and rest. reduce the glare from the headlights behind you.

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

1 1 .. Your Driving and the Road

High Beams When you follow another vehicle on a Dirty glass makes lights dazzle and flash If the vehicle approaching you has its freeway or highway, use low beams. more than clean glass would, making the high beams on, signal by flicking yours True, most vehicles now have day-night pupils of your eyes contract repeatedly. to high and then back to low beam. This mirrors that enable the driver to reduce You might even want to keep a cloth is the usual signal to lower the headlight glare. But outside mirrors are not of this and some glass cleaner in your vehicle if beams. If the other driver still doesn’t type and high beams from behind can you need to clean your glass frequently. lower the beams, resist the temptation to bother the driver ahead. Remember that your headlights light up put your high beams on. This only far less of a roadway when you are in a makes two half-blinded drivers. A Few More Night Driving Suggestions turn or curve. On a freeway, use your high beams only in remote areas where you won’t impair Keep your windshield and all the glass Keep your eyes moving; that way, it’s approaching drivers. In some places, on your vehicle clean - inside and out. easier to pick out dimly lighted objects. like cities, using high beams is illegal. Glare at night is made much worse by Just as your headlights should be dirt on the glass. Even the inside of the checked regularly for proper aim, so glass can build up a film caused by dust. should your eyes be examined regularly. Tobacco smoke also makes inside glass Some drivers suffer from night blindness surfaces very filmy and can be a vision - the inability to see in dim light - and hazard if it’s left there. aren’t even aware of it. m.. 152 Driving in the Rain Rain and wet roads can mean driving The heavier the rain, the harder it is to Driving too fast through large water trouble. On a wet road you can’t stop, see. Even if your windshield wiper puddles, or even going through some car accelerate or turn as well because your blades are in good shape, a heavy rain washes can cause problems, too. The tire-to-road traction isn’t as good as on can make it harder to see road signs and water may affect your brakes. Try to dry roads. And, if your tires don’t have traffic signals, pavement markings, the avoid puddles, but if you can’t, try to much tread left, you’ll get even less edge of the road, and even people slow down before you hit them. traction. walking. Road spray can often be worse It’s always wise to go slower and be for vision than rain, especially if it comes from a dirty road. cautious if rain starts to fall while you are driving, The surface may get wet So it is wise to keep your wiping suddenly when your reflexes are tuned equipment in good shape and keep your for driving on dry pavement. windshield washer tank filled. Replace your windshield wiper inserts when they show signs of streaking or missing areas on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start to separate from the inserts.

153. Your Driving and the Road

Hydroplaning Hydroplaning doesn’t happen often. But Wet brakes can cause Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much it can if your tires haven’t much tread or A accidents. They won’t work water can build up under your tires that if the pressure in one or more is low. It well in a quick stop and may cause they can actually ride on the water. This can happen if a lot of water is standing pulling to one side. You could lose can happen if the road is wet enough on the road. If you can see reflections control of the vehicle. and you’re going fast enough. When from trees, telephone poles, or other vehicles, and raindrops “dimple” the After driving through a large your vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road. water’s surface, there could be puddle of water, or a car wash, hydroplaning. apply your brake pedal lightly until You might not be aware of your brakes work normally. hydroplaning. You could drive along for Hydroplaning usually happens at higher some time without realizing your tires speeds. There just isn’t a hard and fast aren’t in constant contact with the road. rule about hydroplaning. The best advice You could find out the hard way: when is to slow down when it is raining, and you have to slow, turn, move out to be careful. pass - or if you get hit by a gust of wind. You could suddenly find yourself out of control. mm. 154 w Driving in Fog, Mist Some Other Rainy Weather Tips have your view restricted by road and Haze spray. If the road spray is so heavy I Turn on your headlights - not just Fog can occur with high humidity or you are actually blinded, drop back. heavy frost. In can be so mild that you your parking lights - to help make Don’t pass until conditions improve. you more visible to others. can see through it for several hundred Going more slowly is better than feet (meters). Or it might be so thick Look for hard-to-see vehicles coming having an accident. that you can see only a few feet (meters) from behind. You may want to use Use your defogger if it helps. ahead. It may come suddenly to an your headlights even in daytime if it’s otherwise’ clear road. And it can be a Have good tires with proper tread raining hard. major hazard. depth. (See “Tires” in the Index,) Besides slowing down, allow some When you drive into a fog patch, your extra following distance. And be visibility will be reduced quickly. The especially careful when you pass biggest dangers are striking the vehicle another vehicle. Allow yourself more ahead or being struck by the one behind. clear room ahead, and be prepared to Your Driving and the Road

Try to “read” the fog density down the One common fog condition - Tips on Driving in Fog road. If the vehicle ahead starts to sometimes called mist or ground fog - If you get caught in fog, turn your become less clear or, at night, if the can happen in weather that seems headlights on low beam, even in taillights are harder to see, the fog is perfect, especially at night or in the daytime. You’ll see - and be seen - probably thickening. Slow down to give early morning in valley and low, marshy better. traffic behind you a chance to slow areas. You can be suddenly enveloped in down. Everybody then has a better thick, wet haze that may even coat your Don’t use your high beams. The light chance to avoid hitting the vehicle windshield. You can often spot these fog will bounce off the water droplets that ahead. patches or mist layers with your make up fog and reflect back at you. A patch of dense fog may extend only headlights. But sometimes they can be Use your defogger. In high humidity, for a few feet (meters) or for miles waiting for you as you come over a hill even a light build-up of moisture on the (kilometers); you can’t really tell while or dip into a shallow valley. Start your inside of the glass will cut down on your you’re in it. You can only treat the windshield wipers and washer to help already limited visibility. Run your situation with extreme care. clear accumulated road dirt. Slow down windshield wiper and washer carefully. occasionally. Moisture can build up on the outside glass, and what seems to be fog may actually be moisture on the outside of your windshield. City Driving Treat dense fog as an emergency. Try to Pass other vehicles in fog only if you One of the biggest problems with city find a place to pull off the road. Of can see far enough ahead to pass safely. streets is the amount of traffic on them. course you want to respect another's Even then, be prepared to delay your You'll want to watch out for what the property, but you might need to put pass if you suspect the fog is worse up other drivers are doing and pay attention something between you and moving ahead. If other vehicles try to pass you, to traffic signals. vehicles - space, trees, telephone poles, make it easy for them. Here are ways to increase your safety in a private driveway, anything that city driving: removes you from other traffic. Know the best way to get to where If visibility is near zero and you must you are going. Try not to drive stop but are unsure whether you are around trying to pick out a familiar away from the road, turn your lights on, street or landmark. Get a city map start your hazard flashers and sound and plan your trip into an unknown your horn at intervals, or when you hear part of the city just as you would for approaching traffic. a cross-country trip.

1 Your Driving and the Road

Freeway Driving Try to use the freeways that rim and Obey all posted speed limits. But Mile for mile, freeways (also called crisscross most large cities. You’ll remember that they are for ideal road, thruways, parkways, expressways, save time and energy. (See the next weather and visibility conditions. You turnpikes, or superhighways) are the section, “Freeway Driving.’,) may need to drive below the posted safest of all roads. But they have their Treat a green light as a warnil limit in bad weather or when visibility own special rules. is especially poor. signal. A traffic light is there oecause The most important advice on freeway the corner is busy enough to need it. Pull to the right (with care) and stop driving is: Keep up with traffic and keep When a light turns green, and just clear of intersections when you see or to the right. Drive at the same speed before you start to move, check both hear emergency vehicles. most of the other drivers are driving. ways for vehicles that have not Too-fast or too-slow driving breaks a cleared the intersection or may be smooth traffic flow. Treat the left lane running the red light. on a freewayas a passinglane. i

188 Entering the Freeway Driving on the Freeway make sure there isn’t another vehicle in At the entrance there is usually a ramp Once you are on the freeway, adjust your “blind” spot. that leads to the freeway. If you have a your speed to the posted limit or to the If you are moving from an outside to a clear view of the freeway as you drive prevailing rate if it’s slower. Stay in the center lane on a freeway having more along the entrance ramp, you should right lane unless you want to pass. If than two lanes, make sure another begin to check traffic. Try to determine you are on a two-lane freeway, treat the vehicle isn’t about to move into the where you expect to blend with the right lane as the slow lane and the left same spot. Look at the vehicles two flow. If traffic is light, you may have no lane as the passing lane. lanes over and watch for telltale signs: problem. But if it is heavy, find a gap as If you are on a three-lane freeway, treat turn signals flashing, an increase in you move along the entering lane and the right lane as the slower-speed speed, or moving toward the edge of the time your approach. Try to merge into through lane, the middle lane as the lane. Be prepared to delay your move. the gap at close to the prevailing speed. higher-speed through lane, and the left Once you are moving on the freeway, Switch on your turn signal, check your lane as the passing lane. make certain you allow a reasonable rearview mirrors as you move along, following distance. Expect to move and glance over your shoulder as often Before changing lanes, check your rearview mirrors. Then use your turn slightly slower at night. as necessary. Try to blend smoothly with the traffic flow. signal. Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over your shoulder to lea= Your Driving and the Road

Leaving the Freeway to start braking. If you must brake on The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce When you want to leave the freeway, the through lane, and if there is traffic your speed according to your move to the proper lane well in close behind you, you can allow a little speedometer, not to your sense of advance. Dashing across lanes at the last extra time and flash your brake lights (in motion. After driving for any distance at minute is dangerous. If you miss your addition to your turn signal) as extra higher speeds, you may tend to think exit do not, under any circumstances, warning that you are about to slow you are going slower than you actually stop and back up. Drive on to the next down and exit. are. For example, 40 mph (65 km/h) exit. The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes might seem like only 20 mph (30 km/h). quite sharply. Obviously, this could lead to serious At each exit point is a deceleration lane. trouble on a ramp designed for 20 mph Ideally it should be long enough for you (30 km/h)! to enter it at freeway speed (after signaling, of course) and then do your braking before moving onto the exit ramp. Unfortunately, not all deceleration lanes are long enough - some are too short for all the braking. Decide when

160 Driving a Lung Distance Before Leaving on a Long Trip Here are some things you can check Although most long trips today are made Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well before a trip: on freeways, there are still many made rested. If you must start when you’re Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the on regular highways. not fresh - such as after a day’s work reservoir full? Are all windows clean inside and outside? Long-distance driving on freeways and - don’t plan to make too many miles regular highways is the same in some that first part of the journey. Wear Wiper Blades: Are they in good ways. The trip has to be planned and the comfortable clothing and shoes you can shape? easily drive in. vehicle prepared, you drive at Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: higher-than-city speeds, and there are Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If Have you checked all levels? you keep it serviced and maintained, it’s longer turns behind the wheel. You’ll Lights: Are they all working? Are the ready to go. If it needs service, have it enjoy your trip more if you and your lenses clean? vehicle are in good shape. Here are done before starting out. Of course, some tips for a successful long trip. you’ll find experienced and able service Tires: They are vitally important to a experts in Geo dealerships all across safe, trouble-free trip. Is the tread North America. They’ll be ready and good enough for long distance willing to help if you need it. driving? Are the tires all inflated to the recommended pressure? 161 Your Driving and the Road

Weather Forecasts: What’s the On two-lane highways or undivided Highway Hypnosis weather outlook along your route? multilane highways that do not have Is there actually such a condition as Should you delay your trip a short controlled access, you’ll want to watch “highway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain time to avoid a major storm system? for some situations not usually found on falling asleep at the wheel? Call it Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps? freeways. Examples are: stop signs and highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or signals, shopping centers with direct whatever. On the Road access to the highway, no-passing zones Unless you are the only driver, it is and school zones, vehicles turning left There is something about an easy stretch good to share the driving task with and right off the road, pedestrians, of road with the same scenery, along others. Limit turns behind the wheel to cyclists, parked vehicles, and even with the hum of the tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of about 100 miles (160 km) or two hours ZlllimalS. at a sitting. Then, either change drivers the wind against the vehicle that can or stop for some refreshment like make you sleepy. Don’t let it happen to coffee, tea or soft drinks and some you! If it does, your vehicle can leave limbering up. But do stop and move the road in less than a second, and you around. Eat lightly along the way. could crash and be injured. Heavier meals tend to make some people sleepy. Hill and Mountain What can you do about highway Wear good sunglasses in bright light. Roads hypnosis? First, be aware that it can Glare can cause drowsiness. But don't Driving on steep hills or mountains is happen. wear sunglasses at night. They will different from driving in flat or rolling Then here are some tips: drastically reduce your overall vision terrain. at the very time you need all the Make sure your vehicle is well seeing power you have. If you drive regularly in steep country, ventilated, with a comfortably cool or if you're planning to visit there, here interior. If you get sleepy, pull off the road are some tips that can make your trips into a rest, service, or parking area safer and more enjoyable. Keep your eyes moving. Scan the and take a nap, get some exercise, or road ahead and to the sides. Check both. For safety, treat drowsiness on Keep your vehicle in good shape. your rearview mirrors frequently and the highway as an emergency. Check all fluid levels and also your your instruments from time to time. brakes, tires, cooling system and This can help you avoid a fixed stare. As in any driving situation, keep pace transaxle. These parts can work hard with traffic and allow adequate on mountain roads. following distances. Your Driving and the Road

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

Know how to go uphill. You may want to shift down to a lower gear. The lower gears help cool your engine and transaxle, and you can climb the hill better.

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

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Parking Downhill Parking Uphill If you're going uphill on a one-way Turn your wheels to the right. If there is a curb, turn your wheels to street and you're parking on the left the left if the curb is at the right side of side, your wheels should point to the You don't have to jam your tires against right. the curb, if there is a curb. A gentle your vehicle. contact is all you need. ,;,$ ,;,$ ,' ,, & ,' Winter Driving If there is no curb when you're parking Here are some tips for winter driving. Snow tires can help in loose snow, uphill, turn the wheels to the right. Have your Geo in good shape for but they may give you less traction on If there is no curb when you're parking winter. Be sure your engine coolant ice than regular tires. If you do not uphill on the left side of a one-way mix is correct. expect to be driving in deep snow, but street, your wheels should be turned to may have to travel over ice, you may the left. not want to switch to snow tires at all. Your Driving and the Road

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

... 168 Unless you have the anti-lock braking Remember, unless you have anti-lock, if Watch for slippery spots. The road system, you’ll want to brake very you brake so hard that your wheels stop might be fine until you hit a spot gently, too. (If you do have anti-lock, rolling, you’ll just slide. Brake so your that’s covered with ice. On an see “Anti-Lock” in the Index. This wheels always keep rolling and you can otherwise clear road, ice patches may system improves your vehicle’s ability still steer. appear in shaded areas where the sun to make a hard stop on a slippery road.) Whatever your braking system, allow can’t reach: around clumps of trees, Whether you have the anti-lock braking greater following distance on any behind buildings, or under bridges. system or not, you’ll want to begin slippery road. Sometimes the surface of a curve or stopping sooner than you would on dry an overpass may remain icy when the pavement. Without anti-lock brakes, if surrounding roads are clear. If you you feel your vehicle begin to slide, let see a patch of ice ahead of you, brake up on the brakes a little. Push the brake before you are on it. Try not to brake pedal down steadily to get the most while you’re actually on the ice, and traction you can. avoid sudden steering maneuvers. Your Drlvlng and the Road

I -CAUTION ,,I If You’re Caught in a Blizzard stopped by the snow. Put on extra Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle. This can If you are stopped by heavy snow, you clothing or wrap a blanket around you. A cause deadly CO (carbon could be in a serious situation. You If you have no blankets or extra monoxide) gas to get inside. CO should probably stay with your vehicle clothing, make body insulators from could overcome you and kill you. unless you know for sure that you are newspapers, burlap bags, rags, floor You can’t see it or smell it, so you near help and you can hike through the mats - anything you can wrap around might not know it was in your snow. Here are some things to do to yourself or tuck under your clothing to vehicle. Clear away snow from summon help and keep yourself and keep warm. around the base of your vehicle, your passengers safe: Turn on your You can run the engine to keep warm, especially any that is blocking your hazard flashers. Tie a red cloth to your but be careful. vehicle to alert police that you’ve been 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.

170 m Towing a Trailer Run your engine only as long as you long as you can. To help keep warm, must. This saves hel. When you run the you can get out of the vehicle and do CAUTION I engine, make it go a little faster than some fairly vigorous exercises every 1 ! just idle. That is, push the accelerator half hour or so until help comes. If you don’t use the correct equipment and drive properly, slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat If You’re Stuck in Deep Snow A that you get and it keeps the battery you can lose control when you pull charged. You will need a well-charged This manual explains how to get the a trailer. For example, if the battery to restart the vehicle, and vehicle out of deep snow without trailer is too heavy, the brakes possibly for signaling later on with your damaging it. See “Rocking Your may not work well - or even at headlights. Let the heater run for Vehicle” in the Index. all. You and your passengers could awhile. Then, shut the engine off and be seriously injured. Pull a trailer close the window almost all the way to only if you have followed all the preserve the heat. Start the engine again steps in this section. and repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the fuel as Your Driving and the Road

economy. Successful, safe trailering What’s more, the trailer adds Pulling a trailer improperly can takes correct equipment, and it has to be considerably to wind resistance, damage your vehicle and result in used properly. increasing the pulling requirements. costly repairs not covered by your That’s the reason for this section. In it All of that means changes in: warranty. To pull a trailer are many time-tested, important Handling correctly, follow the advice in this trailering tips and safety rules. Many of Durability section. these are important for your safety and that of your passengers. So please read Fuel economy Your Geo can tow a trailer. To identify this section carefully before you pull a If You Do Decide to Pull a Trailer what the vehicle trailering capacity is for trailer. If you do, here are some important your vehicle, you should read the Load-pulling components such as the points. information in “Weight of the Trailer” engine, transaxle, wheel assemblies, and that appears later in this section. But tires are forced to work harder against There are many different laws having trailering is different than just driving the drag of the added weight. The to do with trailering. Make sure your rig will be legal, not only where you your vehicle by itself. Trailering means engine is required to operate at changes in handling, durability, and fuel relatively higher speeds and under live but also where you’ll be driving. A good source for this information greater loads, generating extra heat. can be state or provincial police. ...172 Consider using a sway control. You Three important considerations have You can ask your dealer for our can ask a hitch dealer about sway to do with weight: trailering information or advice, or controls. Weight of the Trailer write us at: Don’t tow a trailer at all during the How heavy can a trailer safely be? It Chevrolet/Geo Customer Services first 500 miles (800 km) your new should never weigh more than 1,000 P.O. Box 7047 vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle pounds (450 kg). Troy, MI 48007-7047 or other parts could be damaged. But even that can be too heavy. In Canada, write to: Then, during the first 500 miles General Motors of Canada Limited (800 km) that you tow a trailer, don’t It depends on how you plan to use Customer Assistance Center drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and your rig. For example, speed, 1908 Colonel Sam Drive don’t make starts at full throttle. This altitude, road grades, outside Oshawa, Ontario L1 H 8P7 helps your engine and other parts of temperature, and how much your your vehicle wear in at the heavier vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all loads. important. And, it can also depend on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle. Your Driving and the Road

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Weight of the Trailer Tongue The trailer tongue (A) should weigh Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s The tongue load (A) of any trailer is 10% of the total loaded trailer weight Tires an important weight to measure (B). After you’ve loaded your trailer, Be sure your vehicle’s tires are because it affects the total capacity weigh the trailer and then the tongue, inflated to the limit for cold tires. weight of your vehicle. The capacity separately, to see if the weights are You’ll find these numbers on the weight includes the curb weight of the proper. If they aren’t, you may be Certification label at the rear edge of vehicle, any cargo you may carry in able to get them right simply by the driver’s door (or see it, and the people who will be riding moving some items around in the “Tire-Loading” in the Index). Then in the vehicle. And if you will tow a trailer. be sure you don’t go over the GVW trailer, you must subtract the tongue limit for your vehicle. load from your vehicle’s capacity weight because your vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. See “Loading Your Vehicle’’ in the Index for more information about your vehicle’s maximum load capacity.

9 174 Hitches The bumpers on your vehicle are not Safety Chains It’s important to have the correct hitch intended for hitches. Do not attach You should always attach chains rental hitches or other bumper type equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks between your vehicle and your trailer. . going by, and rough roads are a few hitches to them. Use only a Cross the safety chains under the tongue reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. frame-mounted hitch that does not of the trailer so that the tongue will not Here are some rules to follow: attach to the bumper. drop to the road if it becomes separated Will you have to make any holes in from the hitch. Instructions about safety the body of your vehicle when you chains may .be provided by, the,hitch install a trailer hitch? If you do, then manufacturer or by the trailer ‘ be sure to seal the holes later when manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer’s you remove the hitch. If you don’t recommendation for aitaching safety seal them, deadly carbon monoxide chains. Always leave just enough slack (CO) from your exhaust can get into so you can turn with your rig. And, your vehicle (see “Carbon never allow safety chains to drag on-the. Monoxide’’ in the Index). Dirt and . ground. water can, too. Your Driving and the Road

Trailer Brakes vehicle’s master cylinder. If it does, Driving With a Trailer Does your trailer have its own brakes? both braking systems won’t work well. Towing a trailer requires a certain Be sure to read and follow the You could even lose your brakes. amount of experience. Before setting out instructions for the trailer brakes so Will the trailer brake parts take 3,000 for the open road, you’ll want to get to you’ll be able to install, adjust and psi (20 650 Pa) of pressure? If not, know your rig. Acquaint yourself with maintain them properly. the trailer brake system must not be the feel of handling and braking with the If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, used with your vehicle. added weight of the trailer. And always don’t try to tap into your vehicle’s brake If everything checks out this far, then keep in mind that the vehicle you are system. If you do, both brake systems make the brake fluid tap at the upper driving is now a good deal longer and won’t work well or at all. rear master cylinder port. But don’t not nearly so responsive as your vehicle is by itself. Even if your vehicle doesn’t have use copper tubing for this. If you do, anti-lock brakes, don’t tap into your it will bend and finally break off. Use Before you start, check the trailer hitch vehicle’s brake system if the trailer’s steel brake tubing. and platform, safety chains, electrical brake system will use more than 0.02 connector, lights, tires and mirror cubic inch (0.3 cc) of fluid from your adjustment. If the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake Passing Making Turns controller by hand to be sure the brakes You’ll need more passing distance up When you’re turning with a trailer, are working. This lets you check your ahead when you’re towing a trailer. make wider turns than normal. Do this electrical connection at the same time. And, because you’re a good deal longer, so your trailer won’t strike soft During your trip, check occasionally to you’ll need to go much farther beyond shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees, or be sure that the load is secure, and that the passed vehicle before you can return other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden the lights and any trailer brakes are still to your lane. maneuvers. Signal well in advance. working. Backing Up Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer Following Distance Hold the bottom of the steering wheel When you tow a trailer, your vehicle Stay at least twice as far behind the with one hand. Then, to move the trailer has to have a different turn signal vehicle ahead as you would when to the left, just move that hand to the flasher and extra wiring. The green driving your vehicle without a trailer. left. To move the trailer to the right, arrows on your instrument panel will This can help you avoid situations that move your hand to the right. Always flash whenever you signal a turn or lane require heavy breaking and sudden back up slowly and, if possible, have change. Properly hooked up, the trailer turns. someone guide you. lights will also flash, telling other drivers you’re about to turn, change lanes, or stop. Your Driving and the Road

When towing a trailer, the green arrows On a long uphill grade, shift down and Parking on Hills on your instrument panel will flash for reduce your speed to 45 mph (70 km/h) You really should not park your vehicle, turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are or less to reduce the possibility of with a trailer attached, on a hill. If bumed out. Thus, you may think drivers engine and transaxle overheating. something goes wrong, your rig could behind you are seeing your signal when If you are towing a trailer that weighs start to move. People can be injured, they are not. It’s important to check more than 1,OOO pounds (450 kg), and and both your vehicle and the trailer can occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs you have an automatic transaxle with be damaged. are still working. Overdrive, you may prefer to drive in D But if you ever have to park your rig on Driving on Grades instead of Overdrive (or, as you need to, a hill, here’s how- to do it: a lower gear). Or, if you have a manual Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear 1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t before you start down a long or steep transaxle with fifth gear, it’s better not to use fifth gear. Just drive in fourth shift into P (Park) yet, or into gear downgrade. If you don’t shift down, you for a manual transaxle. might have to use your brakes so much gear (or, as you need to, a lower gear). that they would get hot and no longer work well.

...178 2. Have someone place chocks under When You Are Ready to Leave After Mainrenru ! WhenTrailer Towing the trailer wheels. Parking on a Hill Your vehicle will need service more 3. When the wheel chocks are in place, 1. Apply your regular brakes and hold often when you’re pulling a trailer. See release the regular brakes until the the pedal down while you: the Maintenance Schedule for more on chocks absorb the load. Start your engine; this. Things that are especially important in trailer operation are automatic 4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then Shift into a gear; and apply your parking brake, and then transaxle fluid (don’t overfill), engine shift to P (Park), or R (Reverse) for Release the parking brake. oil, belts, cooling system, and brake a manual transaxle. 2. Let up on the brake pedal. adjustment. Each of these is covered in this manual, and the Index will help you 5. Release the regular brakes. 3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear find them quickly. If you’re trailering, of the chocks. it’s a good idea to review these sections 4. Stop and have someone pick up and before your start your trip. store the chocks. Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts are tight. 1. . . Part 5 Problems on the Road

Here you’ll find what to do Bazard Warning Flashers...... , ...... 182 about some problems that can rumpstarting ...... ,....,...,...183 occur on the road. Towing Yourvehicle ...... 188 Engine Overheating ...... , , ...... 192 If a Tire Goes Flat ...... , ...... 199 If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow ...... 208 Problems on the Road

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

...182 rn Jump Sturting If your battery has run down, you may want to use another vehicle and some Batteries can hurt you. They Ignoring these steps could result in jumper cables to start your Geo. But A can be dangerous because: costly damage to your vehicle that please follow the steps below to do it They contain acid that can bum wouldn’t be covered by your safely. you. warranty. They contain gas that can Trying to start your Geo by explode or ignite. pushing or pulling it could damage your vehicle, even if you have a They contain enough electricity manual transaxle. And if you have to burn you. an automatic transaxle, it won’t If you don’t follow these steps start that way. exactly, some or all of these things can hurt you. Problems on the Road

To Jump Start Your Geo: 2. Get the vehicles close enough so the 3. Turn off the ignition on both 1. Check the other vehicle. It must have jumper cables can reach, but be sure vehicles. Turn off all lights that a 12-volt battery with a negative the vehicles aren’t touching each aren’t needed, and radios. This will ground system. other. If they are, it could cause a avoid sparks and help save both ground connection you don’t want. batteries. And it could save your You wouldn’t be able to start your radio! NO TIC€ Geo, and the bad grounding could If the other system isn’t a 12-volt damage the electrical systems. system with a negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged. If you leave a radio on, it could be I badly damaged. The repairs You could be injured if the wouldn’t be covered by your A vehicles roll. Set the parking warranty. brake firmly on each vehicle. Put an automatic transaxle inP (Park) or a manual transaxle in Neutral.

...184 CAU TlON I Using a match near a battery A can cause battery gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this, and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if you need more light. 4. Open the hoods and locate the 5. Check that the jumper cables don’t batteries. Be sure the battery has enough have loose or missing insulation. If water. You don’t need to add they do, you could get a shock. The water to the Delco Freedom@ vehicles could be damaged, too. I battery installed in every new GM Before you connect the cables, here An electric fan can start up vehicle. But if a battery has filler are some basic things you should A even when the engine is not caps, be sure the right amount of .how. Positive ( +) will go to running and can injure you. Keep fluid is there. If it is low, add positive (+) and negative (-) will go hands, clothing and tools away water to take care of that first. If to negative (-) or a metal engine from any underhood electric fan. you don’t, explosive gas could be part. Don’t connect (+) to (-) or present. you’ll get a short that would damage Find the positive (+) and negative Battery fluid contains acid that can the battery and maybe other parts, (-) terminals on each battery. burn you. Don’t get it on you. If too. you accidentally get it in your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with water and get medical help immediately. I 185999 Problems on the Road

6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to 7. Don't let the other end touch metal. Fans or other moving engine the positive (+) terminal of the Connect it to the positive (+) A parts can injure you badly. vehicle with the dead battery. Use a terminal of the good battery. Use a Keep your hands away from remote positive (+) terminal if the remote positive (+) terminal if the moving parts once the engines are vehicle has one. vehicle has one. running.

. 9 9 186 8. Now connect the black negative (-) 9. Attach the cable at least 18 inches 12. Remove the cables in reverse order cable to the good battery's negative (45 cm) away from the dead to prevent electrical shorting. Take ( -) terminal. battery, but not near engine parts care that they don't touch each Don't let the other end touch that move. The electrical other or any other metal. anything until the next step. The connection is just as good there, but A. Heavy Metal Engine Part other end of the negative cable the chance of sparks getting back to the battery is much less. B. Good Battery doesn't go to the dead battery. It C. Dead Battery goes to a heavy unpainted metal part 10. Now start the vehicle with the good on the engine of the vehicle with the battery and run the engine for dead battery. awhile. 11. Try to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If it won't start after a few tries, it probably needs service. Problems on the Road --

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Towing Your Vehicle Try to have a GM dealer or a That your vehicle has front-wheel professional towing service tow your drive. To help avoid injury toyou or Geo. The usual towing equipment is a The make, model, and year of your A others: sling-type (A) or a wheel-lift (B) or car vehicle. Never let passengersride in a carrier (C)tow truck. vehicle that is being towed. Whether you can still move the shift Never tow fasterthan safe or If your vehicle has been changed or lever. modified since it was factory-new by posted speeds. adding aftermarket items like fog lamps, If there was an accident, what was Never tow with damaged parts aero skirting, or special tires and damaged. not fully secured. When the towing service arrives, let the Never get under your vehicle wheels, these instructions and after it hasbeen lifted by the tow illustrations may not be correct, tow operator know that this manual truck. contains detailed towing instructions and Before you do anything, turn on the Always use separate safety chains hazard warning flashers. illustrations. The operator may want to on each sidewhen towing a see them. When you call, tell the towing service: vehicle. Never use "J" hooks. Use That your vehicle cannot be towed T-hooks instead. from the front or rear with sling-type equipment. When your vehicle is being towed, have If your vehicle has a manual transaxle, the ignition key off. The steering wheel don’t have it towed on the front wheels A vehicle can fall from a car should be clamped in a straight-ahead unless you must. If a vehicle with a carrier if it isn’t properly position, with a clamping device manual transaxle must be towed on the Asecured. This can cause a designed for towing service. Do not use front wheels, don’t go more than collision, serious personal injury the vehicle’s steering column lock for 35 mph (56 km/h) or farther than and vehicle damage. The vehicle this. The transaxle should be in Neutral 50 miles (80 km) or your transaxle will should be tightly secured with and the parking brake released. be damaged. If these limits must be chains or steel cables before it is Don’t have your vehicle towed with the exceeded, then the front wheels have to transported. front wheels in contact with the ground be supported on a dolly. If you have a Don’t use substitutes (ropes, if it has an automatic transaxle. If a manual transaxle and dollies won’t be leather straps, canvas webbing, vehicle with an automatic transaxle must used, turn the ignition key to the ACC etc.) that can be cut by sharp be towed from the rear with wheel lift position and put the transaxle in edges underneath the towed equipment, the front wheels must be Neutral. vehicle. supported on a dolly. Problems on the Road

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Front Towing Hook-Ups I Attach a separate safety chain around Attach T-hook chains to slots in frame Do not tow with sling-type the outboard end of each lower control brackets just ahead of front wheels on equipment or fascia damage will arm. both sides. occur. Use wheel lift or car carrier equipment. Additional ramping may be required for car carrier equipment. Use safety chains and wheel straps.

...190 Rear Towing Hook-Ups Attach a separate safety chain around 4ttach T-hook chains to slots in the Do not tow with sling-type the outboard end of each lower control jottom of the floor pan just ahead of the equipment or rear bumper valance arm. 'ear wheels on both sides. will be damaged. Use wheel lift or car carrier equipment. Additional ramping may be required for car carrier equipment. Use safety chains and wheel straps. Dollies are required under the front wheels or damage will occur. Problems on the Road

h Engine Overheclting You will find a coolant temperature If Steam Is Coming from Your Engine: gage or the warning light about a hot engine on your Geo instrument panel.

Steam from an overheated engine can bum you badly, even if you just A open the hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or coolant before opening the hood. If you keep driving when your engine is overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You or others could be badly burned. Stop your engine if it overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the engine is cool. Idle for long periods in traffic. If you no longer have the overheat If your engine catches fue because Tow a trailer. warning, you can drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about ten minutes. If you keep driving with no coolant, If you get the overheat warning with no your vehicle can be badly the warning doesn’t come back on, you sign of steam, try this for a minute or can drive normally. damaged. The costly repairs would so: not be covered by your warranty. If the warning continues, pull over, 1. If you have an air conditioner, turn it stop, and park your vehicle right away. off. If there’s still no sign of steam, you can If No Steam Is Coming from Your 2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the Engine: idle the engine for two or three minutes highest fan speed and open the while you’re parked, to see if the If you get the overheat warning but see window as necessary. warning stops. But then, if you still havc or hear no steam, the problem may not 3. Try to keep your engine under load the warning, TURN OFF THE be too serious. Sometimes the engine (in a drive gear where the engine ENGINE AND GET EVERYONE OUT can get a little too hot when you: runs slower). OF THE VEHICLE until it cools down. Climb a long hill on a hot day. You may decide not to lift the hood but I Stop after high speed driving. to get service help right away. Prt !ms on the Road

I

When you decide it's safe to lift the If the coolant inside the coolant recovery hood, here's what you'll see: tank is boiling, don't do anything else Heater and radiator hoses, 1. Coolant recovery tank until it cools down. A and other engine parts, can be 2. Radiator pressure cap The coolant level should be at or above very hot. Don't touch them. If you FULL. If it isn't, you may have a leak do, you can be burned. 3. Electric engine fan in the radiator hoses, heater hoses, Don't run the engine if there is a radiator, water pump or somewhere else leak. If you run the engine, it in the cooling system. could lose all coolant. That could cause an engine fire, and you An electric fan under the could be burned. Get any leak hood can start up even when fixed before you drive the vehicle. the engine is not running and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan.

m.. 194 How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Engine damage from running your Recovery Tank Adding plain water to your engine without coolant isn’t If you haven’t found a problem yet, but A cooling system can be covered by your warranty. the coolant level isn’t at or above dangerous. Plain water, or some FULL, add a 50/50 mixture of clean other liquid like alcohol, can boil If there seems to be no leak, check to water (preferably distilled) and a proper before the proper coolant mix will. see if the electric engine fan is running. antifreeze at the coolant recovery tank. Your vehicle’s coolant warning If the engine is overheating, the fan (See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for system is set for the proper coolant should be running. If it isn’t, your more information about the proper mix. With plain water or the vehicle needs service. coolant mix.) wrong mix, your engine could get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat warning. Your engine could catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use a 50150 mix of clean water and a proper antifreeze. Problems on the Road

NO TIC€ CAUTION b CAUTION In cold weather, water can freeze You can be burned if you spill Steam and scalding liquids and crack the engine, radiator, A coolant on hot engine parts. A from a hot cooling system can heater core and other parts. Use Coolant contains ethylene glycol blow out and bum you badly. the recommended coolant. and itwill burn if the engine parts They are under pressure, and if i are hot enough. Don't spill coolant you turn the radiator pressure cap on a hot engine. - even a little - they can come out at high speed. Never turn the When the coolant in the coolant cap when the cooling system, recovery tank is at or above FULL, including the radiator pressure cap, start your vehicle. is hot. Wait for the cooling system and radiator pressure cap to cool if If the overheat warning continues, you ever have to turn the pressure there's one more thing you can try. You cap. can add the proper coolant mix directly to the radiator, but be sure the cooling system is cool before you do it.

...196 r-

I

How to Add Coolant to the Radiator 2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, 3. Fill the radiator with the proper mix, 1. You can remove the radiator pressure but now push down as you turn it. up to the base of the filler neck. cap when the cooling system, Remove the pressure cap. including the radiator pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly to the left until it first stops. (Don’t press down while turning the pressure cap.) If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means there is still some pressure left. Problems on the Road

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

9 198 L

If a Tire Goes 7. Then replace the pressure cap. Be It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, sure the arrows on the pressure cap while you’re driving, especially if you acts much like a skid and may require line up like this. maintain your tires properly. If air goes the same correction you’d use in a skid. out of a tire, it’s much more likely to In any rear blowout, remove your foot leak out slowly. But if you should ever from the accelerator pedal. Get the

have a “blowout, ” here are a few tips vehicle under control by steering the about what to expect and what to do: way you want the vehicle to go. It may If a front tire fails, the flat tire will be very bumpy and noisy, but you can create a drag that pulls the vehicle still steer. Gently brake to a stop, well toward that side. Take your foot off the off the road if possible. accelerator pedal and grip the steering If your tire goes flat, the next section wheel firmly. Steer to maintain lane shows how to use your jacking position, then gently brake to a stop well equipment to change a flat tire safely. out of the traffic lane. Problems on the Road

Changing a F/at Tire

If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and ~~ ~ wheel damage by driving slowly to a Changing a tire can cause an injury. The vehicle can slip off the jack level place. Turn on your hazard A and roll over you or other people. You and they could be badly injured. warning flashers. Find a level place to change your tire. To help prevent the vehicle from moving:

1m Set the parking brake firmly. 2. Put the shift lever in P (Park). 3. Shift a manual transaxle to 1 (First) or R (Reverse). 4. Turn off the engine. To be even more certain the vehicle won’t move, you can put chocks at the front and rear of the tire farthest away from the one. being changed. That would be the tire on the other side of the vehicle, at the opposite end.

..I IOC The following steps will tell you how to Remove the jack handle (A), wheel The jack has a bolt at the end. Attach use the jack and change a tire. wrench (B), jack (C) and wheel cover the jack handle to the jack bolt. Turn the The equipment you'll need is in the tool (D) from the trunk. jack handle to the right to raise the lift trunk. head. I Move the carpet from the top of the spare tire cover. Then remove the cover over the spare tire. Turn the knob and remove it. Pull out the spare tire.

201 Problems on the Road

If there is a wheel cover, remove it by Using the wheel wrench, loosen all the Position the jack under the vehicle. Near using the flat end of the wheel cover wheel nuts. Don't remove them yet. each wheel, there are notches in the tool. Pry along the edge of the wheel vehicle's rocker flange. Position the jack cover until it comes off. Be careful; the and raise the jack lift head until it fits rim edges may be sharp. Don't try to firmly into the notches closest to the flat remove it with your bare hands. tire.

Getting under a vehicle when it is jacked up is dangerous. If the vehicle slips off the jack, you could be badly injured or killed. Never get under a vehicle when it is supported only by a jack.

. . 202 NOTICE Raise the vehicle by rotating the jack Remove all the wheel nuts and take off Raising your vehicle with the jack handle clockwise. Raise the vehicle far the flat tire. improperly positioned wiil damage enough off the ground so there is the vehicle or may allow the enough room for the spare tire to fit. vehicle to fall off the jack. Be sure to fit the jack lift head into the proper location before raising your vehicle.

203 9 9 9 Problems on the Road

II

Remove any rust or dirt from the wheel Rust or dirt on the wheel, or bolts, mounting surfaces or spare wheel. Never use oilor grease on A on the parts to which it is Place the spare on the wheel mounting A studs or nuts. If you do, the fastened, can make the wheel nuts surface. nuts might comeloose. Your wheel become loose after a time. The could falloff, causing a serious wheel could come off and cause an accident. accident. When you change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt Replace the wheel nuts with the rounded from the places where the wheel end of the nuts toward the wheel. attaches to the vehicle. In an Tighten each nut by hand until the wheel emergency, you can use a cloth or is held against the hub. a paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if you need to, to get all the rust or dirt off. a

Lower the vehicle by rotating the jack Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a handle counterclockwise. Lower the jack criss-cross sequence as shown. Incorrect wheel nuts or completely. A improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become loose and even come off. This could lead to an accident. Be sure to use the correct wheel nuts. If you have to replace them, be sure to get the right kind. Stop somewhere as soon as you can and have the nuts tightened with a torque wrench to 76 ft. lbs. (103 Nom). Problems on the Road

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

JACK AND TOOL STORAGE

NO TlCE Wheel covers won’t fit on your compact spare. If you try to put a wheel cover on your compact spare, you could damage the cover or the. spare.

Replace the jack, jack handle, wheel 1. Jack Don’t try to put a wheel cover on your wrench, wheel cover tool and flat tire. 2. Spare Tire compact spare tire. It won’t fit. Store the wheel cover in the trunk until you 3. Tool Bag have the flat tire repaired or replaced, 4. Jack Handle

208 Compact Spare Although the compact spare was fully /vuI ILt Storing a jack, a tire or other inflated when your vehicle was new, it Don’t take your compact spare- A equipment in the passenger can lose air after a time. Check the through an automatic car wash compartment of the vehicle could inflation pressure regularly. It should be with guide rails. The compact cause injury. In a sudden stopor 60 psi (420 ma). The compact spare is spare can get caught on the rails. collision, loose equipment could made to go up to 3,000 miles That can damage the tire and strike someone. Store all these in the (5 OOO km), so you can finish your trip wheel, and maybe other parts of proper place. and have your full-size tire repaired or your vehicle. replaced where you want. Of course, it’s best to replace your spare with a ~~ full-size tire as soon as you can. Your Don’t use your compact spare on some spare will last longer and be in good other vehicle. shape in case you need it again. And don’t mix your compact spare or Your anti-lock brake system warning wheel with other wheels or tires. They light may come on when you are driving won’t fit. Keep your spare and its wheel with a compact spare. See “Anti-Lock together. Brake System Warning Light” in the Index. 207 Problems on the Road

If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Tire chains won’t fit your compact Snow If you let your tires spinat high spare. Using them will damage A speed, they can explode and your vehicle and destroy the chains What you don’t want to do when your you or others couldbe injured. And, vehicle is stuck is to spin your wheels. too. Don’t use tire chains on your the transaxleor other partsof the The method known as “rocking” can compact spare. vehicle can overheat. That could help you get out when you’re stuck, but cause an engine compartmentfire or you must use caution. other damage. When you’re stuck, spin the wheels as littleas possible. Don’t spin the wheels above19 mph (30 km/h) as shown onthe speedometer. Rocking your vehicle to get it out: on the accelerator pedal when the Spinning your wheels can destroy First, turn your steering wheel left and transaxle is in gear. If that doesn’t get parts of your vehicleas well as the right. That will clear the area around you out after a few tries, you may need tires, If you spin the wheelstoo fast your front wheels. Then shift back and to be towed out. If you do need to be while shifting your transaxle back forth between R (Reverse) and a towed out, see “Towing Your Vehicle” and forth, you can destroy your forward gear (or with a manual in the Index. transaxle. transaxle, between First or Second gear and Reverse), spinning the wheels as little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal while you shift, and press lightly Notes

. 210 Part 6

.... Service & Appearance Care

...... Service ...... 212 .. Fuel ...... 213 Checking Things under the Hood ...... 217 HoodRelease ...... 217 Engineoil ...... 220 Aircleaner ...... 224 Automatic Transaxle Fluid ...... 224 Here you will find information Manual Transaxle Fluid ...... 227 about the care of your Geo. This Hydraulicclutch ...... 228 part begins with service and fuel Enginecoolant ...... 228 information. and then it shows Power Steering Fluid ...... 231 how to check important fluid and Windshield Washer Fluid ...... 232 lubricant levels There is also Brake Master Cylinder ...... 233 . Battery ...... 235 technical information about your BulbReplacement ...... 236 vehicle. and a section devoted to Loading Your Vehicle ...... 240 its appearance care. Tires ...... 242 Appearancecare ...... 249 Appearance Care and Maintenance Materials ...... 257 Vehicle Identification Number(VIN) ...... 258 Service Parts Identification Label ...... 258 Add-on Electrical Equipment ...... 258 Fuses and Circuit Breakers ...... 259 Replacement Bulbs ...... 262 Capacities and Specifications ...... 263 211 = = Service & Appearance Care

1 Sewice Your Geo dealer knows your vehicle Doing Your Own Service Work You can be injured if you try 1best and wants you to be happy with it. If you want to do some of your own to do service work on a We hope you’ll go to your dealer for all service work, you’ll want to get the Avehicle without knowing enough 1your service needs. You’ll get genuine proper Geo Service Manual. It tells you about it. GM parts and GM-trained and supported much more about how to service your Be sure you have sufficient !rervice people. Geo than this manual can. To order the knowledge, experience, and the We hope you’ll want to keep your GM proper service manual, see “Service proper repladement parts and 1vehicle all GM. Genuine GM parts have Publications” in the Index. tools before you attempt any Ime of these marks. You should keep a record of all parts vehicle maintenance task. receipts and list the mileage and the date Be sure to use the proper nuts, of any service work you perform. See bolts and other fasteners. “Maintenance Record’’ in the Index. “English” and “metric” fasteners can be easily confused. If you use the wrong fasteners, parts can later break or fall off. You could be hurt.

212 Fuel NO TIC€ The 8th digit of your Vehicle (unleaded). You’ll see UNLEADED If you try to do your own service Identification Number (VIN) shows the right on the pump. And only unleaded work without knowing enough code letter for your engine. You will nozzles will fit into your vehicle’s filler about it, your vehicle could be find the VIN at the top left of your neck. damaged. instrument panel. (See ‘‘Vehicle Be sure the posted octane is at least 87. r Identification Number’’ in the Index.) If the octane is less than 87, you may 1.6L LO1 (Engine Code 6) get a heavy knocking noise when you Use regular unleaded gasoline rated at drive. If it’s bad enough, it can damage 87 octane or higher with 1.6L LO1 your engine. (Engine Code 6). It should meet If you’re using fuel rated at 87 octane or specifications ASTM D4814 in the U.S. higher and you still hear heavy and CGSB 3.5-92 in Canada. These knocking, your engine needs service. fuels should have the proper additives, But don’t worry if you hear a little so you should not have to add anything pinging noise when you’re accelerating to the fuel. or driving up a hill. That’s normal, and you don’t have to buy a higher octane In the U.S. and Canada, it’s easy to be sure you get the right kind of gasoline fuel to get rid of pinging. It’s the heavy, 218.-• constant knock that means you have a Be sure the posted octane is at least 91. than 10% ethanol is fine for your problem. If the octane is less than91, you may vehicle. 1.8L LV6 (Engine Code 8) get a heavy knocking noise when you Methanol is methyl or wood alcohol. drive. (In an emergency, you may be Use premium unleaded gasoline rated at able to use lower octane - as low as 87 91 octane or higher with the 1.8L LV6 - if heavy knocking does not occur.) If (Engine Code 8). It should meet you’re using 91 or higher octane Fuel thatis more than5 % methanol specifications ASTM D48 14 in the U.S. unleaded gas and you still get heavy is bad for your vehicle. Don’t use it. and CGSB 3.5-92 in Canada. These knocking, your. engine needs service. It can corrode metal parts in your fuels should have the proper additives, fuel system and also damage plastic so you should not have to add anything What about gasoline with blending and rubber parts. That damage to the fuel. materials that contain oxygen, such as wouldn’t be covered under your MTBE or alcohol? In the U.S. and Canada, it’s easy to be warranty. And even at5 % or less, sure you get the right kind of gasoline MTBE is “methyl tertiary-butyl ether.” there must be‘ ‘cosolvents” and (unleaded). You’ll see UNLEADED Fuel that is no more than 15%MTBE is corrosion preventers in this fuel to right on the pump. And only unleaded fine for your vehicle. help avoid these problems. nozzles will fit into your vehicle’s filler Ethanol is ethyl or grain alcohol. neck. Properly-blended fuel that is no more . . ‘214 Gasolines for Cleaner Air In addition, some gasoline suppliers are Fuels in Foreign Countries Your use of gasoline with detergent now producing reformulated gasolines. If you plan on driving in another additives will help prevent deposits from These gasolines are specially designed to country outside the U.S. or Canada, forming in your engine and fuel system. reduce vehicle emissions. General unleaded fuel may be hard to find. Do That helps keep your engine in tune and Motors recommends that you use not use leaded gasoline. If you use even your emission control system working reformulated gasoline. By doing so, you one tankful, your emission controls I properly. It’s good for your vehicle, and can help clean the air, especially in won’t work well or at all. With you’ll be doing your part for cleaner air. those parts of the country that have high continuous use, spark plugs can get ozone levels, Many gasolines are now blended with fouled, the exhaust system can corrode, materials called oxygenates. General You should ask your service station and your engine oil can deteriorate Motors recommends that you use operators if their gasolines contain quickly. Your vehicle’s oxygen sensor gasolines with these blending materials, detergents and oxygenates, and if they will be damaged. All of that means such as MTBE and ethanol. By doing have been reformulated to reduce costly repairs that wouldn’t be covered so, you can help clean the air, especially vehicle emissions. by your warranty. in those parts of the country that have high carbon monoxide levels.

215 Service & Appearance Care

To check on fuel availability, ask an Filling Your Tank The release lever is near the floor to the auto club, or contact a major oil left of the driver’s seat. company that does business in the The cap is behind a hinged door on the country where you’ll be driving. left side of your vehicle. You can also write us at the following Gasoline vapor is highly address for advice. Just tell us where A flammable. It bums violently, you’re going and give your Vehicle and that can cause very bad Identification Number (VIN). injuries. Don’t smoke if you’re General Motors of Canada Ltd. near gasoline or refueling your International Export Sales vehicle. Keep sparks, flames, ,and P.O. Box 828 smoking materials away from Oshawa, Ontario LlH 7N 1 gasoline. Canada I I checking mings under While refueling, hang the cap inside the When you put the cap back on, turn it to the Hood fuel door. the right until you hear a clicking noise. To take off the cap, turn it slowly to the Hood Release left (counterclockwise). To open the hood, first pull the handle inside the vehicle. If you need a new cap, be sure to If you get gasoline on you and get the right type. Your dealer can A then something ignites it, you get one for you. If you get the could be badly burned. Gasoline wrong type, it may not fit or have can spray out on you if you open proper venting, and your fuel tank the fuel filler cap too quickly. This and emissions system might be spray can happen if your tank is damaged. nearly full, and is more likely in hot weather. Open the fuel filler cap slowly and wait for any “hiss” noise to stop. Then unscrew the cap all the way. Service & Appearance Care

Then go to the front of the vehicle and Lift the hood, release the hood prop When you open the hood, you’ll see: release the secondary hood release. from its retainer and put the hood prop 1. Windshield Washer Reservoir into the slot in the hood. 2. Oil Fill Cap 3. Engine Oil Dipstick CAUTlON 4. Power Steering Reservoir An electric fan under the 5. Brake Fluid Reservoir A hood can start up and injure you even when the engine is not 6. Air Cleaner running. Keep hands, clothing and 7. Engine Compartment Fuses tools away from any underhood 8. Battery electric fan. 9. Engine Coolant Reservoir 10. Automatic Transaxle Dipstick 11. EngineFan Things that bumcan get on hot engine parts andstart a fire. These include liquids like gasoline, oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and otherfluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others could be I burned. Be carefulnot to drop or spill things that will burn onto a hot

~ engine. Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on properly. Then lift the hood to relieve pressure on the hood prop. Remove the hood prop from the slot in the hood and return the prop to its retainer. Then just let the 1.8L LV6 (Englne C hood down and close it firmly. 219==- Service & Appearance Care

Ennine Oil It's a good idea to check your engine oil To Check Engine Oil: When to Add Oil: level every time you get fuel. In order Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a If the oil is at or below the L, you'll to get an accurate reading, the oil must paper towel or a cloth, then push it back need to add some oil. But you must use be warm and the vehicle must be on in all the way. Remove it again, keeping the right kind. This section explains level ground, the tip lower. what kind of oil to use. For crankcase Turn off the engine and give the oil a capacity, see ' 'Capacities and few minutes to drain back into the oil Specifications" in the Index. pan. If you don't, the oil dipstick might not show the actual level. NOTICE m Don't add too much oil. If your engine has so much oil that the oil level gets above the cross-hatched area that shows the proper operating range, your engine could be damaged.

220 Just fill it enough to put the level What Kind of Oil to Use: NOTIC€ somewhere in the proper operating Look for three things: If you use oils that don't have the range. Push the dipstick all the way designation, you can cause back in when you're through. SG SG SG must be on the oil container, engine damage which is not either by itself or combined with other covered by your warranty. quality designations, such as SGEC, SGKD, SF, SG, CC, etc. These letters show American Petroleum Institute (API) levels of quality.

221 . . Sewice & Appearance Care

Recommended SAE Viscosity Grade Engine Oils For best fuel economy and cold starting, select the lowest SA€ viscosity grade oil for the expected temperature range.

FOR THIS HOT LABEL I WEATHER

SAE 1OW-30 This doughnut-shaped logo (symbol) is As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE used on most oil containers to help you 1OW-30is best for your vehicle. select the correct oil. However you can use SAE 5W-30if You should look for this on the oil it’s going to be colder than 50°F container, and use only those oils that (10°C) before your next oil change. display the logo. When it’s very cold, below 0°F GM Goodwrench@ oil(in Canada, GM (- 18”C), you should use SAE Engine Oil) meets all the requirements --- 5W-30. for your vehicle. SAE 1OW-30 These numbers on an oil container Engine Oil Additives: PREFERRED show its viscosity, or thickness. Do Don’t add anything to your oil. Your SAE SW-30 not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 1OW-40or SAE 20W-50. Geo dealer is ready to advise if you think something should be added. Energy Conserving I1 COLD Oils with these words on the container WEATHER will help you save fuel.

= . .222 - When to Change Engine Oil: If none of them is true, change oil and Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you change your own See if any one of these is true for you: filter every 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months - whichever comes first. oil, be sure to drain all free-flowing oil Most trips are less than 4 miles What to Do with Used Oil: from the filter before disposal. Don’t (6 km). ever dispose of it by pouring it on the It’s below freezing outside and most ground, into sewers, or into streams or trips are less than 10 miles ( 16 km) bodies of water. Instead, recycle it ‘by . Used engine oil contains The engine is at low speed most of taking it to a place that collects used oil. things that have caused skin If you have a problem properly the time (as in door-to-door delivery, Acancer in laboratory animals. or in stop-and-go traffic). disposing of your used oil, ask your Don’t let used oil stay on your dealer, a service station or a local You tow a trailer often. skin for very long. Clean your recycling center for help. Most trips are through dusty places. skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or If any one of these is true for your properly throw away clothing or vehicle, you need to change your oil rags containing used engine oil. and filter every 3,750 miles (6 200 km) or 6 months - whichever comes first. Service & Appearance Care

II i

4ir Cleaner Automatic Transaxle Fluid Zefer to the Maintenance Schedule to When to Check and Change: letermine when to replace the air filter. If the air cleaner is off, a backfire A good time to check your automatic iee “Scheduled Maintenance Services” can cause a damaging engine fire. transaxle fluid level is when the engine n the Index. And, dirt can easily get into your oil is changed. Refer to the Maintenance engine, which will damage it. Schedule to determine when to change Always have the air cleaner in your fluid. See “Scheduled Maintenance I -ratingthe engine with the place when you’re driving. Services” in the Index. A air cleaner off can cause you How to Check: or others to be burned. The air Air Filter Replacement Because this operation can be a little cleaner not only cleans the air, it To check or replace the air filter: difficult, you may choose to have this stops flame if the engine backfires. 1. Release the four clips that hold the done at a Geo dealership Service If it isn’t there, and the engine Department. backfires, you could be burned. cover down. 2. Lift the cover off. If you do it yourself, be sure to follow Don’t drive with it off, and be all the instructions here, or you could careful working on the engine with 3. Check or replace the air filter. get a false reading on the dipstick. the air cleaner off. 4. Reverse steps one and two to finish.

9 224 In heavy traffic - especially in hot To check the fluid level: weather. Too much or too little fluid can Park your vehicle on a level place. damage your transaxle. Too much While pulling a trailer. Place the shift lever in P (Park) with can mean that some of the fluid To get the right reading, the fluid should the parking brake applied. could come out and fall on hot be at normal operating temperature, With your foot on the brake pedal, engine parts, starting a fire. Be which is 180°F to 200°F (82°Cto move the shift lever through each gear sure to get an accurate reading if 93 "C). range, pausing for about three seconds you check your transaxle fluid. Get the vehicle warmed up by driving in each range. Then, position the shift about 15 miles (24 km) when outside lever in P (Park). Wait at least 30 minutes before checking temperatures are above 50°F ( 10°C). If Let the engine run at idle for three to the transaxle fluid level if you have been it's colder than 50°F (lO"C),you may five minutes. driving: have to drive longer. When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C). At high speed for quite a while.

225 Service & Appearance Care

Then, without shutting off the engine, 3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and much fluid, generally less than a pint. follow these steps: read the lower level. The fluid level Don’t overfill. We recommend you use 1. Release the tab and pull out the must be between the two dimples in only fluid labeled DEXRON@-I1 because dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag the hot range. fluids with that label are made especially or paper towel. 4. If the fluid level is where it should for your automatic transaxle. Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRON@-I1 2. Push it back in all the way, wait be, push the dipstick back in all the way. is not covered by your new vehicle three seconds and then pull it back warranty. out again. How to Add Fluid: After adding fluid, recheck the fluid Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to level as described under “How to determine what kind of transaxle fluid to Check. ” use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants’* in the Index. When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the dipstick back in all If the fluid level is low, add only the way. enough of the proper fluid to bring the fluid level into the area between the dimples on the dipstick. It doesn’t take Manual Transaxle Fluid When to Check: Then, follow these steps: A good time to have it checked is when Too much or too little fluid can 1. Remove the filler plug. the engine oil is changed. However, the damage your transaxle. Too much 2. Check that the lubricant level is up to fluid in your manual transaxle doesn’t can mean that some of the fluid the bottom of the filler plug hole. require changing. could come out and fall on hot 3. If the fluid level is good, install the How to Check: engine parts, starting a fire. Be plug and be sure it is fully seated. If Because this operation can be a little sure to get an accurate reading if the fluid level is low, add more fluid difficult, you may choose to have this you check your transaxle fluid. as described in the next steps. done at a Geo dealership Service Department. Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the vehicle is parked on a If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could level place and the transaxle is cool get a false reading. enough for you to rest your fingers on the transaxle case. Service & Appearance Care

Hydraulic Clutch Engine Coolant How to Add Fluid: The hydraulic clutch in your vehicle is The following explains your cooling Here’s how to add fluid. Refer to the self-adjusting. system and how to add coolant when it Maintenance Schedule to determine what When to Check and What to Use: is low. If you have a problem with kind of fluid to use. See engine overheating, see “Engine Refer to your Maintenance Schedule to Overheating” in the Index. “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants’ ’ determine how often you should check in the Index. the fluid level in your clutch master The proper coolant for your Geo will: 1. Remove the filler plug. cylinder reservoir and what to add. See Give freezing protection down to 2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add “Owner Checks and Services” and -34°F (-37°C). only enough fluid to bring the fluid “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants’’ Give boiling protection up to 262°F level up to the bottom of the filler in the Index. (128OC). plug hole. How to Check: Protect against rust and corrosion. 3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the The proper fluid should be added if the Help keep the proper engine plug is fully seated. level is at or below the MIN mark on temperature. the reservoir. See the instructions on the Let the warning lights work as they reservoir cap. should. What to Use: IVUI lLt Use a mixture of one-half clean water Adding only plain water to If you use an improper coolant (preferably distilled) and one-half A your cooling system can be mix, your engine could overheat antifreeze that meets ‘‘GM Specification dangerous, Plain water, or some and be badly damaged. The repair 1825M,” which won’t damage other liquid like alcohol, can boil cost wouldn’t be covered by your aluminum parts. You can also use a before the proper coolant mix will. warranty. Too much water in the recycled coolant conforming to GM Your vehicle’s coolant warning mix can freeze and crack the Specification 1825M with a complete system is set for the proper coolant engine, radiator, heater core and coolant flush and refill. Use GM Engine mix. With plain water or the other parts. Coolant Supplement (sealer) with any wrong mix, your engine could get complete coolant change. If you use too hot but you wouldn’t get the these, you don’t need to add anything overheat warning. Your engine else. could catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use a 50150 mix of clean water and a proper antifreeze,

229 Sendn? Appearance Care

I 4,'

d

Adding Coolant To Add Coolant: Add coolant mix at the recovery tank, To Check Coolant: If you need more coolant, add the but be careful not to spill it. When your engine is cold, the coolant proper mix at the coolant recovery level should be at LOW, or a little tank. 1 higher. When your engine is warm, the I CAUTION level should be up to FULL or a little higher. Turning the radiator pressure spill coolant on hot engine cap when the engine and parts. Coolant contains ethylene Aradiator are hot can allow steam glycol, and it will bum if the and scalding liquids to blow out engine parts are hot enough. Don't and bum you badly. With the spill coolant on a hot engine. coolant recovery tank, you will almost never have to add coolant at the radiator. Never turn the radiator pressure cap - even a little - when the engine and radiator are hot. Power Steering Fluid Radiator Pressure Cap Thermostat How to Check Power Steering Fluid: I NOTICE I Engine coolant temperature is controlled Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick by a thermostat in the engine coolant with a clean rag. Replace the cap and Your radiator cap is a 15 psi system. The thermostat stops the flow of completely tighten it. Then remove the (105 Pa) pressure-type cap and coolant through the radiator until the cap again and look at the fluid level on must be tightly installed to prevent coolant reaches a preset temperature. the dipstick. coolant loss and possible engine When you replace your thermostat, an damage from overheating. Be sure AC@thermostat is recommended. the arrows on the cap line up with the overflow tube on the radiator filler neck.

When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an AC@cap is recommended. Service & AT-learance Care

-. - Windshield Washer Fluid When the engine compartment is hot, What to Add: I- the level should be between the HOT Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to Open the cap labeled WASHER FLUID marks. determine what kind of fluid to use. See ONLY. Add washer fluid until the When the engine compartment is cool, ‘‘Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” bottle is full. the level should be between the in the Index. COLD marks.

When adding power steering fluid or making a complete fluid change, always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.

...232 When using concentrated washer I fluid, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding water. Brake Master cy/inder Don’t mix water with Your brake master cylinder is here. It is So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off” ready-to-use washer fluid. Water filled with DOT-3brake fluid. your brake fluid. Adding brake fluid can cause the solution to freeze There are only two reasons why the won’t correct a leak. If you add fluid and damage your washer fluid brake fluid level in your master cylinder when your linings are worn, then you’ll tank and other parts of the might go down. The first is that the have too much fluid when you get new washer system. Also, water brake fluid goes down to an acceptable brake linings. You should add (or doesn’t clean as well as washer level during normal brake lining wear. remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only fluid. When new linings are put in, the fluid when work is done on the brake hydraulic system. Fill your washer fluid tank only level goes back up. The other reason is 3/4 full when it’s very cold. that fluid is leaking out of the brake This allows for expansion, system. If it is, you should have your which could damage the tank if brake system fixed, since a leak means it is completely full. that sooner or later your brakes won’t work well, or won’t work at all. Don’t use radiator antifreeze in your windshield washer. It can damage your paint.

233 = 9 Service & Appearance Care

h

To Check Brake Fluid: You can check the brake fluid without If you have too much brake DOT-5 silicone brake fluid can fluid, it can spill on the engine. taking off the cap. Just look at the A windows on the brake fluid reservoir. damage your vehicle. Don’t use The fluid will burn if the engine is it. hot enough. You or others could be The fluid levels should be above MIN. burned, and your vehicle could be If they aren’t, have your brake system Don’t let someone put in the damaged. Add brake fluid only checked to see if there is a leak. wrong kind of fluid. For when work is done on the brake After work is done on the brake example, just a few drops of hydraulic system. hydraulic system, make sure the levels mineral-based oil, such as are above MIN and below the top of engine oil, in your brake system each window. can damage brake system parts When your brake fluid falls to a low so badly that they’ll have to be level, your brake warning light will What to Add: replaced. come on. See “Brake System Warning When you do need brake fluid, use only Light” in the Index. Brake fluid can damage paint, so DOT-3 brake fluid - such as be careful not to spill brake Delco-Supreme 11@(GM Part No. fluid on your vehicle. 1052535). Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only. Bailety Replacing Brake System Parts in brake linings that are wrong for your Every new Geo has a Delco Freedom@ The braking system on a modern vehicle vehicle, the balance between your front battery. You never have to add water to is complex. Its many parts have to be of and rear brakes can change, for the one of these. When it’s time for a new top quality and work well together if the worse. The braking performance you’ve battery, we recommend a Delco vehicle is to have really good braking. come to expect can change in many Freedom@ battery. Get one that has the Vehicles we design and test have other ways if someone puts in the wrong catalog number shown on the original top-quality GM brake parts in them, as replacement brake parts. battery’s label. your Geo does when it is new. When Vehicle Storage you replace parts of your braking system If you’re not going to drive your vehicle - for example, when your brake linings for 25 days or more, take off the black, wear down and you have to have new negative ( -) cable from the battery. ones put in - be sure you get new This will help keep your battery from genuine GM replacement parts. If you running down. don’t, your brakes may no longer work properly. For example, if someone puts Service & Appearance Care

1 1

,. ...- .+I.“ .. - - rn Bulb Replacement See “Replacement Bulbs” in the Index Headlights to check the size and type of bulb you To replace the headlight bulb: Batteries have acid that can need to use. A bum you and gas that can 1. Open the hood. explode. You can be badly hurt if Halogen Bulbs 2. Reach behind the headlight assembly you aren’t careful. See “Jump and find the lock ring assembly. Starting” in the Index for tips on 3. Turn the lock ring assembly to the working around a battery without left. getting hurt. Halogen bulbs have 4. Pull the connector apart to remove A pressurized gas inside and can the bulb assembly. Contact your dealer to learn how to burst if you drop or scratch the prepare your vehicle for longer storage 5. Reverse the steps with a new bulb bulb. You or others could be assembly. periods. injured. Take special care when handling and disposing of halogen bulbs. Parking Lights Front Turn Signal Lights 3. Turn the bulb to the left and pull it out * 1. Remove the screw To replace the front turn signal bulbs: 4. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. 2. Remove the parking light assembly. 1. Remove the screw in the parking light and remove parking light. 3. Turn the bulb to the left and pull it out. 2. Remove the screw from the turn signal assembly and remove 4. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. asseqbly .

237 9 9 . Service & Appearance Care

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Front Sidemarker Lights Center High-Mounted Stoplight 4. Turn the bulb to the left and pull it To replace the sidemarker bulb: To remove the center high-mounted out. 1. Loosen the screw on the sidemarker stoplight bulb: 5. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. lens. 1. Push the buttons in on both sides and 2. Remove the sidemarker assembly. remove the cover of the high-mounted stoplight housing. 3. Turn the bulb to the left and pull it out. 2. Remove the screw from the stoplight housing. 4. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. 3. Remove the stoplight housing assembly.

9 9 238 I

Tail/Stop/Turn Signal Lights 5. Remove the rear combination light License Plate Light To remove the tail/stop/turn signal assembly. 1. Pull the license plate light assembly bulbs: 6. Turn the socket of the tail/stop/turn out from the bumper. 1. Open the trunk. signal light to the left and pull it out. 2. Turn the bulb to the left and pull it 2. Remove the two bolts from the lens 7. Turn the bulb to the left and pull it out from the light assembly. assembly. out. 3. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. 3. Remove the trunk trim. 8. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. 4. Remove the nut from the rear combination light assembly.

239 Service Appearance Care

ILoading Your Vehicle Back-up Light Rear Sidemarker Lights Two labels on your vehicle show how 1. Open the trunk. To replace the rear sidemarker bulb: much weight it may properly carry. The 2. Remove the trunk trim (if your 1. Open the trunk. Tire-Loading Information label found in vehicle is so equipped). the glove compartment tells you the 2. With a screwdriver, remove the six proper size, speed rating and 3. Remove the screw from the back-up plastic studs from the paneling. recommended inflation pressures for the light. 3. Turn the socket to the left and pull it tires on your vehicle. It also gives you 4. Remove the bulb housing assembly. out. important information about the number 5. Turn the bulb to the left and pull it 4. Pull the bulb out of the socket. of people that can be in your vehicle and out. the total weight that you can carry. This 5. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. weight is called the Vehicle Capacity 6. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. Weight and includes the weight of all occupants, cargo, and all nonfactory-installed options. ~~

MFG. BY NEW UNITE0 MOTOR MANUFACTURING

The other label is the Certification label, CAUTION ound on the rear edge of the driver’s Your warranty does not cover loor. It tells you the gross weight Do not load your vehicle any heavier the GVWR parts or components that fail :apacity of your vehicle, called the A than or the maximum front and rear because of overloading. SVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). GAWRs. If you do, parts on your The GVWR includes the weight of the rehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo. vehicle can break, or it can change If you put things inside your vehicle - the way your vehicle handles. rJever exceed the GVWR for your like suitcases, tools, packages, or These could cause you to lose {ehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight anything else - they will go as fast as control. Also, overloading can 3ating (GAWR) for either the front or the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or shorten the life of your vehicle. turn quickly, or if there is a crash, ‘ear axle. they’ll keep going. 9nd, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread it out. Don’t carry more :han 125 pounds (56.7 kilograms) in four trunk. Service & Appearance Care

I CAUTION Poorly maintained and improperly used tires are Adangerous. Overloading your tires can cause overheating as a result of too much friction. You could have CAUTION an air-out and a serious r accident. See “Loading Your Things you put inside your ITires Vehicle’’ in the Index. vehicle can strike and injure Underinflated tires pose the Apeople in a sudden stop or turn, or We don’t make tires. Your new vehicle same danger as overloaded tires. in a crash. comes with high quality tires made by a The resulting accident could leading tire manufacturer. These tires cause serious injury. Check all Put things in the trunk of your are warranted by the tire manufacturers vehicle. In a trunk, put them as tires frequently to maintain the and their warranties are delivered with recommended pressure. Tire far forward as you can. Try to every new Geo. If your spare tire is a pressure should be checked spread the weight evenly. different brand than your road tires, you when the tires are cold. Never stack heavier things, like will have a tire warranty folder from Overinflated tires are more suitcases, inside the vehicle so each of these manufacturers. likely to be cut, punctured, or that some of them are above the broken by sudden impact, such tops of the seats. as when you hit a pothole. Keep When you carry something tires at the recommended inside the vehicle, secure it pressure. whenever you can. Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your tread is badly Don’t have a seat folded down worn, or if your tires have been unless you need to. damaged, replace them.

= 242 k Don’t let anyone tell you that underinflation or overinflation is all right. It’s not. If your tires don’t have enough air Inflation - Tire Pressure (underinflation) you can get: When to Check: Check your tires once The Tirehading Information label Too much flexing a month or more. which is in the glove compartment Too much heat Don’t forget your compact spare tire. It shows the correct inflation pressures for Tire overloading should be at 60 psi (420 Pa). your tires, when they’re cold. “Cold” Bad wear How to Check: Use a good quality means your vehicle has been sitting for pocket-type gage to check tire pressure. at least three hours or driven no more Bad handling Simply looking at the tires will not tell than a mile. Bad fuel economy. you the pressure, especially if you have If your tires have too much air radial tires - which may look properly (overinflation), you can get: inflated even if they’re underinflated. Unusual wear If your tires have valve caps, be sure to put them back on. They help prevent Bad handling leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture. Roughride Needless damage from road hazards. nce Care

Tire Inspection and Rotation When It’s Time for New Tires To make your tires last longer, have Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on One way to tell when it’s time for new them inspected and rotated at the A parts to which it is fastened, tires is to check the treadwear mileages recommended in your can make the wheel nuts become indicators, which will appear when your Maintenance Schedule. See “Scheduled loose after a time. The wheel tires have only 2/32 inch (1.6 mm) or Maintenance Services” in the Index. could come off and cause an less of tread remaining. Use this rotation pattern. accident. When you change a You need a new tire if wheel, remove any rust or dirt After the tires have been rotated, adjust from places where the wheel You can see the indicators at three the front and rear inflation pressure as attaches to the vehicle. In an places around the tire. shown on the Tire-Loading Information emergency, you can use a cloth or You can see cord or fabric showing label. Make certain that all wheel nuts a paper towel to do this; but be through the tire’s rubber. are properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut sure to use a scraper or wire brush Torque’’ in the Index. The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut later, if you need to, to get all the or snagged deep enough to show cord rust or dirt off. (See “Changing a or fabric. Flat Tire” in the Index.) ICAUTlON The tire has a bump, bulge or split. Mixing tires could cause you National Highway Traffic Safety The tire has a puncture, cut, or other A to lose control while driving. Administration which grades tires by damage that can’t be repaired well If you mix tires of different sizes treadwear, traction and temperature because of the size or location of the or types (radial and bias-belted performance. (This applies only to damage. tires), the vehicle may not handle vehicles sold in the United States.) properly, and you could have a Treadwear Buying New Tires crash. Be sure to use the same size The treadwear grade is a comparative To find out what kind and size of tires and type tires on all wheels. rating based on the wear rate of the tire you need, look at the Tire-Loading It’s all right to drive with your when tested under controlled conditions Information label. compact spare, though. It was on a specified government test course. Make sure the replacements are the developed for limited use on your For example, a tire graded 150 would same size, load range, speed rating and vehicle. wear one and a half (1 1/2) times as construction type (bias, bias-belted or well on the government course as a tire radial) as your original tires. Uniform Tire Quality Grading graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions The following information relates to the of their use, however, and may depart system developed by the United States significantly from the norm due to Service & Appearance Care

variations in driving habits, service highest), B, and C, representing the tire is established for a tire that is practices and differences in road tire’s resistance to the generation of heat properly inflated and not overloaded. characteristics and climate. and its ability to dissipate heat when Excessive speed, underinflation, or Traction - A, B, C tested under controlled conditions on a excessive loading, either separately or in specified indoor laboratory test wheel. combination, can cause heat buildup and The traction grades, from highest to Sustained high temperature can cause the possible tire failure. lowest are: A, B, and C. They represent material of the tire to degenerate and the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement Those grades are molded on the reduce tire life, and excessive sidewalls of passenger car tires. as measured under controlled conditions temperature can lead to sudden tire on specified government test surfaces of failure. The grade C corresponds to a While the tires available as standard or asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C level of performance which all passenger optional equipment on General Motors may have poor traction performance. car tires must meet under the Federal vehicles may vary with respect to these Warning: The traction grade assigned to Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. grades, all such tires meet General this tire is based on braking Grades B and A represent higher levels Motors performance standards and have (straight-ahead) traction tests and does of performance on the laboratory test been approved for use on General not include cornering (turning) traction. wheel than the minimum required by Motors vehicles. All passenger type law. (P Metric) tires must conform to Federal Temperature - A, B, C safety requirements in addition to these The temperature grades are A (the Warning: The temperature grade for this grades. Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance and wheel nuts should be replaced. If lolts, and wheel nuts for your Geo The wheels on your vehicle were the wheel leaks air, replace it (except nodel aligned and balanced carefully at the some aluminum wheels, which can factory to give you the longest tire life sometimes be repaired). See your Geo and best overall performance. dealer if any of these conditions exist. Your dealer will know the kind of wheel Using the wrong replacement In most cases, you will not need to have wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel you need. A your wheels aligned again. However, if nuts on your vehicle can be you notice unusual tire wear or your Each new wheel should have the same dangerous. It could affect the vehicle pulling one way or the other, the load carrying capacity, diameter, width, braking and handling of your alignment may need to be reset. If you offset, and be mounted the same way as vehicle, make your tires lose air notice your vehicle vibrating when the one it replaces. and make you lose control. You driving on a smooth road, your wheels If you need to replace any of your could have a collision in which may need to be rebalanced. wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel nuts, you or others could be injured. Wheel Replacement replace them only with new GM original Always use the correct wheel, Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked equipment parts. This way, you will be wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for or badly rusted. If wheel nuts keep sure you have the right wheel, wheel replacement. coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts, Service & Appearance Care

Tire Chains Used Replacement Wheels The wrong wheel can also cause trouble in bearing life, brake Use tire chains only when you cooling, speedometer/odometer Putting a used wheel on your must. Use only SAE Class “S” calibration, headlight aim, bumper A vehicle is dangerous. You type chains that are the proper size height, vehicle ground clearance, can’t know how it’s been used. It for your tires. Install them on the and tire or tirechain :e to could fail suddenly and cause an front tires and tighten them as the body and chassis. accident. If you have to replace a tightly as possible with the ends wheel, use a new GM original securely fastened. Drive slowly equipment wheel. and follow the chain manufacturer’s instructions, If you can hear the chains contacting your vehicle, stop and retighten them. If the contact continues, slow down until it stops. Driving too fast with chains on will damage your vehicle. -

Appearar e Ct e Don't use any of these unless this manual says you can. In many uses, they will damage your Cleaning products can be hazardous. Some are toxic. Others can burst vehicle: A into flame if you strike a match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle. Laundry Soap Some are dangerous if you breathe their fumes in a closed space. When you use anything in a container to clean your Geo, be sure to follow the Bleach instructions. And always open your doors or windows when you're cleaning Reducing Agents the inside. Never use these to clean your vehicle: Gasoline CarbonTetrachloride Turpentine Benzene Acetone ThinnerLacquer Naphtha PaintThinner PolishNailRemover They can all be hazardous - some more than others - and they can all damage your vehicle, too. Service & Appearance Care

Cleaning the Inside of Your Geo Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of Use solvent-type cleaners in a Use suds only and apply with a clean dust and loose dirt. Wipe vinyl with a well-ventilated area only. If you use sponge. clean, damp cloth. them, don’t saturate the stained area. Don’t saturate the material. Your Geo dealer has two GM cleaners If a ring forms after spot cleaning, Don’t rub it roughly. - a solvent-type spot lifter and a clean the entire area immediately or it foam-type powdered cleaner. They will will set. As soon as you’ve cleaned the ,clean normal spots and stains very well. section, use a sponge to remove the Using Foam-Type Cleaner on Fabric suds. Here are some cleaning tips: Vacuum and brush the area to remove Rinse the section with a clean, wet Always read the instructions on the any loose dirt. sponge. cleaner label. Always clean a whole trim panel or Wipe off what’s left with a slightly Clean up stains as soon as you can - section. Mask surrounding trim along damp paper towel or cloth. before they set. stitch or welt lines. Then dry it immediately with an air Use a clean cloth or sponge, and Mix Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner hose, a hair dryer or a heat lamp. change to a clean area often. A soft following the directions on the brush may be used if stains are container label. stubborn. /vuI IC/t ~~ ~ ~~ If you need to use it, then: Fabric Protection Be careful with a hair dryer or Gently scrape excess soil from the Your Geo has upholstery that has been heat lamp. You could scorch the trim material with a clean, dull knife treated with Scotchgard” Fabric fabric. or scraper. Use very little cleaner, Protector, a 3M product. Scotchgard” light pressure and clean cloths protects fabrics by repelling oil and Wipe with a clean cloth. (preferably cheesecloth). Cleaning water, which are the carriers of most should start at the outside of the stain, stains. Even with this protection, you Using Solvent-Type Cleaner on Fabric “feathering” toward the center. Keep still need to clean your upholstery often First, see if you have to use solvent-type changing to a clean section of the to keep it looking new. cleaner at all. Some spots and stains will cloth. Further information on cleaning is clean off better with just water and mild When you clean a stain from fabric, available on 1-800-433-3296 (in soap. immediately dry the area with an air Minnesota, 1-800-642-6 167). hose, hair dryer, or heat lamp to help prevent a cleaning ring. (See previous NOTICE.) Service & Appearance Care

Special Cleaning Problems Non-greasy stains: Like catsup, coffee Combination stains: Like candy, ice Greasy or oily stains: Like grease, oil, (black), egg, fruit, fruit juice, milk, soft cream, mayonnaise, chili sauce and butter, margarine, shoe polish, coffee drinks, wine, vomit, urine and blood. unknown stains. with cream, chewing gum, cosmetic Carefully scrape off excess stain, then Carefully scrape off excess stain, then creams, vegetable oils, wax crayon, tar sponge the soiled area with cool clean with cool water and allow to and asphalt. water. dry. Carefully scrape off excess stain. If a stain remains, follow the If a stain remains, clean it with Then follow the solvent-type foam-type instructions above. solvent-type cleaner. instructions above. If an odor lingers after cleaning vomit Cleaning Vinyl or Leather Shoe polish, wax crayons, tar and or urine, treat the area with a Just use warm water and a clean cloth. watedbaking soda solution: asphalt will stain if left on a vehicle Rub with a clean, damp cloth to seat fabric. They should be removed 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of baking soda to 1 cup (250 ml) of lukewarm water. remove dirt. You may have to do it as soon as possible. Be careful, more than once. because the cleaner will dissolve them Finally, if needed, clean lightly with and may cause them to bleed. solvent-type cleaner.

...252 Things like tar, asphalt and shoe Care of Safety Belts Glass polish will stain if you don’t get them Keep belts clean and dry. Glass should be cleaned often. GM off quickly. Use a clean cloth and Glass Cleaner (GM Part No. 1050427) solvent-type vinyl/leather cleaner. or a liquid household glass cleaner will- Cleaning the Top of the Instrument remove normal tobacco smoke and dust Panel Do not bleach or dye safety films. Use only mild soap and water to clean A belts. If you do, it may Don’t use abrasive cleaners on glass, the top surfaces of the instrument panel. severely weaken them. In a crash because they may cause scratches. Sprays containing silicones or waxes they might not be able to provide Avoid placing decals on the inside rear may cause annoying reflections in the adequate protection. Clean safety window, since they may have to be windshield and even make it difficult .to belts only with mild soap and scraped off later. If abrasive cleaners see through the windshield under certain , lukewarm water. are used on the inside of the rear conditions. window, an electric defogger element may be damaged. Any temporary license should not be attached across the defogger grid.

253 Service & Appearance Care

Cleaning the Outside of the CIeaning the Outside of Your Windshield and Wiper Blades Geo soft, clean chamois or a 100% cotton If the windshield is not clear after using The paint finish on your vehicle towel to avoid surface scratches and the windshield washer, or if the wiper provides beauty, depth of color, gloss water spotting. blade chatters when running, wax or retention and durability. High pressure car washes may cause other material may be on the blade or Washing Your Vehicle water to enter your vehicle. windshield. The best way to preserve your vehicle’s Finish Care Clean the outside of the windshield with finish is to keep it clean by washing it Occasional waxing or mild polishing of GM Windshield Cleaner, Bon-Ami often with lukewarm or cold water. your Geo may be necessary to remove Powder@(GM Part No. 1050011). The Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct residue from the paint finish. You can windshield is clean if beads do not form rays of the sun. Don’t use strong soaps get GM approved cleaning products when you rinse it with water. or chemical detergents. Use liquid hand, from your dealer. (See “Appearance Clean the blade by wiping vigorously dish or car washing (non-detergent) Care and Maintenance Materials” in the with a cloth soaked in full strength soaps. Don’t use cleaning agents that Index.) windshield washer solvent. Then rinse contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning Your Geo has a “basecoat/clearcoat” the blade with water, agents should be flushed promptly and paint finish. The clearcoat gives more Wiper blades should be checked on a not allowed to dry on the surface, or depth and gloss to the colored basecoat. regular basis and replaced when worn. they could stain. Dry the finish with a .a. 254 Sheet Metal Damage Machine compounding or If you have aluminum wheels, If your vehicle is damaged and requires aggressive polishing on a don’t use an automatic car wash sheet metal repair or replacement, make basecoatlclearcoat paint finish may that has hard silicon carbide sure the body repair shop applies dull the finish or leave swirl cleaning brushes. These brushes anti-corrosion material to the parts marks. can take off the protective coating. repaired or replaced to restore corrosion protection. Aluminum Wheels (If So Equipped) Your aluminum wheels have a protective Weatherstrips Foreign Material coating similar to the painted surface of These are places where glass or metal Calcium chloride and other salts, ice your vehicle. Don’t use strong soaps, meets rubber. Silicone grease there will melting agents, road oil and tar, tree chemicals, chrome polish or other make them last longer, seal better, and sap, bird droppings, chemicals from abrasive cleaners on them because you not squeak. Apply silicone grease with a industrial chimneys, and other foreign could damage this coating. After rinsing clean cloth at least every six months. matter can damage your vehicle’s finish thoroughly, a wax may be applied. if they remain on painted surfaces. Use cleaners that are marked safe for painted surfaces for these stains. 255 Service & Appearance Care

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

'Not recommended forpigskin suede leather. See your GeneralMotors Dealers for these products. See your Maintenance Schedule for other products. Service & Appearance Care

Y 0 [ 1G1AW81R7LG100101 0 I) A

rn Vehicle Identifiahrt- rn Service Parts rn Add-& Electn’cal ~ - ~ Number (vIN)- Identiiatzon Label Equipment This is the legal identifier for your Geo. You’ll find this label on your spare tire It appears on a plate in the front corner cover. It’s very helpful if you ever need of the instrument panel, on the driver’s to order parts. On this label is: . Don’t add anything electrical to side. You can see it if you look through Your VIN. the windshield from outside your -. your Geo unless you check with - Its model designation. vehicle. The VIN also appears on the your dealer first. Some electrical ~ Vehicle ‘Certification and Service Parts ’Paint information. equipment can damage your vehicle and-the damage wouldn’t labels and ‘the... certfficates of title and A list of all production options and registration. -special equipment. be covered by your warranty. Some of it can just keep other Engine Identification Be sure that this label is not removed thingsfrom working as they , from vehicle. The eighth character in your VIN is the the should. engine code for your GM engine. This code-will help you identify your engine, specifications; and replacement parts in this section. . . 258 rn Fuses and Circuit Breakem center behind your glove box, also have Headlights The wiring circuits in your vehicle are relays, circuit breakers and other The headlight wiring is protected by a protected from short circuits by a electrical components. circuit breaker. An electrical overload combination of fuses, circuit breakers, Look at the silver-colored band inside will cause the lights to go on and off, or and fusible thermal links in the wiring the fuse. If the band is broken or in some cases to remain off. If this itself. This greatly reduces the chance of melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you happens, have your headlight wiring fires caused by electrical problems. replace a bad fuse with a new one of the checked right away. Your fuse block is beneath the correct size. Windshield Wipers instrument panel near the driver’s door. If you ever have a problem on the road The windshield wiper motor is protected Pull out the panel marked FUSES to and don’t have a spare fuse, you can by a circuit breaker and a fuse. If the display the fuse block. borrow one. Just pick some feature of motor overheats due to heavy snow, Most of your fuses are in the fuse block. your car that you can get along without etc., the wiper will stop until the motor Some are in two electrical centers in - like the radio or cigarette lighter - cools. If the overload is caused by some your engine compartment. These and use it’s fuse, if it is of the value you electrical problem and not snow, etc., electrical centers, plus a component need. Replace it as soon as you can. be sure to get it fixed. Service & Appearance Care

Power Windows and Other Power Options Fuse Block Circuit breakers protect the power Driver’s Side Instrument Panel 7-Turn Signal (7.5 Amp.) windows and other power accessories. l-Not Used 8-Gage (10 Amp.) When the current load is too heavy, the 9-Taillight (15 Amp.) circuit breaker opens and closes, 2-Ignition (10 Amp.) 10-Defogger - I/UP (7.5 Amp.) protecting the circuit until the problem is 3-Stop (15 Amp.) fixed or goes away. &Not Used 11-ECU-IG (15 Amp.) %Cigarette Lighter 12-Wiper (20 Amp.) and Radio (20 Amp.) A-Power (30 Amp.) 6-ECU-B (10 Amp.) B-Defroster (30 Amp,)

...260 9-Not Used Engine Compartment Relay Block 10-Not Used 1-CDS (30 Amp.) 1 1-Not Used 2-Air Conditioner Fan Relay #2 Engine Compartment 12-AM2 (30 Amp.) 3-Air Conditioner Fan Relay #3 1-Electronic Fuel Injection (15 Amp.) a-Anti-Lock Brake System (50 Amp.) 4-Air Conditioner MG Relay 2-Alternator-S (7.5 Amp.) b-Alternator (100 Amp.) 3-Fan (30 Amp.) c-AM1 (40 Amp.) 4-Dome Light (20 Amp.) A-Electronic Fuel Injection Relay 5-Hazard Warning Flashers; B-Headlight Relay Horn (20 Amp.) C-E/G Main Relay 6-Fan - I/UP (7.5 Amp.) D-Fan Relay #1 7-Left Head (15 Amp.) E-Horn Relay 8-Right Head (15 Amp.) Service & Appearance Care Replacement Bulbs Automatic Transaxle...... 158 Back-up Light...... 1156 Headlight High Beam ...... 9005 Low Be am ...... 9006 Heater or Air Conditioner Control ...... 74 . . High-Mounted Stoplight ...... 1156 Indicator Lights I ABS Active ...... PC745 Air Bag ...... PC745 Passenger Side Kick Panel Brake ...... 74 Check Engine...... 74 1-Air Conditioner (15 Amp.) Cruise ...... PC745 2-Heater (40 Amp.) FastenBelts ...... 74 Headlight High Beam ...... 74 Oil Pressure ...... 74 Rear Defogger ...... 74 stop Lamp ...... 74 Turn Signal ...... 74 Volts (Battery) ...... 74 Instrument Cluster...... 158/74 License Plate Light ...... - Parking Light...... 194 Sidemarker Front ...... 194 Rear ...... 168 Taillight/Stoplight ...... 2057 Turn Signal LightSignal Turn ...... 2057 H Capacities and Specifications Engine Type ...... L4 Compression Ratio...... 9.5: 1 Firing Order ...... , l-3-4-2 Fuel Delivery ...... Fuel Injection Piston Displacement VIN Engine Code 6 ...... -97 CID (1.6L) VIN Engine Code 8 ...... lo8 CID (1.8L) ValveArrangement...... Double Overhead Cam Thermostat Temperature Specification...... ,180"F (82 "C) Replacement Parts Air Cleaner Filter ...... A1 164C Battery...... 22F-60 EngineOil Filter...... GMPartNo.94842810 Spark Plug...... GM Part No. 94853696 Wheel Nuts Wheel Nut Torque ...... 76 pound-feet (103 Nem) Service & Appearance Care

Capacities (Approximate) The following approximate capacities are given in U .S. and metric conversions. Air Conditioning?...... See the refrigerant information label under hood. Automatic Transaxle 3-Spmd...... 5.8 qt. (5.5L)** 4-Speed ...... 7.4 qt. (7.0L)** Cooling System ManualTransaxle...... 6.0 qt. (5.6L) Automatic Transaxle 3-Sped ...... 5.8 qt. (5.5L) 4-Speed ...... 6.1 qt. (5.8L) Crankcase VIN Engine Code 6 Oil Change With Filter ...... 3.9 qt. (3.7L)* Oil Change Without Filter...... 3.6 qt. (3.4L)* VIN Engine Code 8 Oil Change With Filter ...... ; ...... 3.4 qt. (3.2L)* Oil Change Without Filter...... 3.2 qt. (3.0L)* Fuel Tank ...... 13.2 gal. (50.0L) Manual Transaxle ...... 2.7 qt. (2.6L)** ?Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same. If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant is used. If you’re not sure ask your Geo dealer. *When changing the oil filter, additional oil may be needed. Recheck the oil level after filling. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. **Recheck fluid level after filling. See “Automatic Transaxle Fluid” or “Manual Transaxle Fluid’’ in the Index.

9 264 Vehicle Dimensions Wheelbase...... -97.1'' (2 430 mm) Tread Front ...... S7.5" (1 460 mm) Rear ...... S7.1" (1 450 mm) Length ...... 173.0"(4395 mm) Width...... 66.3" (1 685 mm) Height ...... S4.1"(1 375 mm)

Part 7 Maintenance Schedule IMPORTANT I Section Introduction: Word about Maintenance 268 . KEEP ENGINE OIL A ...... Your Vehicle and the Environment...... 268 AT THE PROPER How This Part Is Organized ...... 269 LEVEL AND CHANGE AS A . Scheduled Maintenance Services...... 271 Using Your Maintenance Schedules...... 271 RECOMMENDED Selecting the Right Schedule...... 271 Schedule I ...... 272 Schedule 11 ...... 274 Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Services...... 276 This part covers the maintenance B . Owner Checks and Services...... 280 AtEachFuelF ill ...... 280 required for your Geo . Your vehicle At Least Once a Month...... 281 needs these services toretain its At Least Twice a Year...... 281 safety. dependability and emission At Least Once a Year...... 282 control performance. C . Periodic Maintenance Inspections...... 285 Additional Service Center Inspection...... 287 D. Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ...... 288 E. MaintenanceRecord ...... 290 I

Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? nePlan supplements your new car warranties. See your GM dealer for details.

267 . 9 9 Maintenance Schedule Introduction: A Word about Maintenance

Your Vehicle and the Environment We at General Motors want to help you keep your vehicle in Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps keep your vehicle good working condition. But we don’t know exactly how in good working condition, but it also helps the you’ll drive it. You may drive very short distances only a environment. All recommended maintenance procedures are few times a week. Or you may drive long distances all the important. Improper vehicle maintenance or the removal of time in very hot, dusty weather. You may use your vehicle important components, can significantly affect the quality of in making deliveries. Or you may drive it to work, to do the air we breathe. Improper fluid levels or even the wrong errands, or in many other ways. tire inflation can increase the level of emissions from your Because of all the different ways people use their GM vehicle. To help protect our environment, and to help keep vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You may even need more your vehicle in good condition, please maintain your vehicle frequent checks and replacements than you will find in the properly. schedules in this part. So please read this part and note how you drive. If you have any questions on how to keep your vehicle in good condition, see your Geo dealer, the place many GM owners choose to have their maintenance work done. Your dealer can be relied upon to use proper parts and practices.

m mi i8 How This Part Is Oryanized The remainder of this part is divided into five sections: If you are skilled enough to do some work on your vehicle, “Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services” shows what you will probably want- to get the service information GM to have done, and how often. Some of these services can be publishes. You will find a list of publications and how to get complex, so unless you are technically qualified and have them in this manual. See “Service Publications’’ in the the necessary equipment, you should let your dealer’s 1nde.x..- service department or another qualified service center do “Section B: Owner Checks and Services” tells you what these jobs. should be checked whenever you stop for fuel. It also explains what you can easily do to help keep your vehicle in good condition. Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can be A dangerous, In trying to do some jobs, you can be seriously injured. Do your own maintenance work only if you have the required know-how and the proper tools and equipment for the job. If you have any doubt, have a qualified technician do the work. Maintenance Schedule Introduction: A Word about Maintenance (Cont.)

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

9 270 Maintenance Schedule Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services

Using Your Maintenance Schedules Selecting the Right Schedule. This section tells you the maintenance services you should First you’ll need to decide which of the two schedules is have done and when you should schedule them. Your Geo right for your vehicle. Here’s how to decide which schedule

dealer knows your vehicle best and wants you to be happy tofollow: t with it. If you go to your dealer for your service needs, . Schedule I you’ll know that GM-trained and supported service people Is any one of these true for your vehicle? will perform the work using genuine GM parts. Mosttrips are lessthan 4 miles (6 km). - These schedules are for vehicles that: 4-Most trips are less than IO miles (16 km) when outside ’ . carry passengers and cargo within recommended limits. temperatures are below freezing. . You will find these limits on your vehicle’s Tire-Loading 1. -Information label. See “Loading Your Vehicle’’ in the The engine is at low speed most of the time (as in’ Index. door-to-door delivery, or in stop-and-go traffic). are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal You operate your vehicle in dusty areas. driving limits. You tow a trailer. use the recommended unleaded fuel. See “Fuel” in the If any one (or more) of these is true for your driving, follow Index. Schedule I. Schedule I1 Follow Schedule I1 only if none of the .above conditions is true.

271 9 9 9 Malntenance Schedule Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services (Cont.) Schedule 1 Follow Schedule I if your vehicle is TO BE SERVICED WHEN TO PERFORM MAINLY driven under one or more of See “Exphation of Scheduled Maintenance Miles (kilometers) or Months the following conditions: Services’ following Schedules I and II. (whichever occursjrst). When most trips are less than 4 miles (6 km). When most trips are less than 10 miles (16 km) and outside temperatures . . remain below freezing. When most trips includ,e extended* At 60,ooO Miles (100 OOO km) or 36 Months Engine Accessory Drive Belts Inspection* andthen every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) or idling and/or frequent low-speed 12 Months. operation, as in stop-and-go traffic. I I When towing a trailer. Whenoperating in dusty areas. - Schedule I should also be followed if the vehicle is used for’delivery service,

police,taxi or other commercial . - applications. *AnEmission Conlrol Service. . . $The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ines & Connection In has determined that the failure to peflorm this maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prtor .to the completion of vehicle usefit life. General Motors, however, urges that all Engine Idle Speed Adjustment* recommended maintenance services be performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded in. “Section E: Maintenance Record. ”

9 272 L - The services shown in this schedule up to 60,OOO miles (100 OOO km) should be performed after 60,OOO miles (100 OOO km) at the same intervals unless specified otherwise. Maintenance Schedule Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services (Cont.)

TO BE SERVICED WHEN TO PERFORM ITEM See ‘‘&phation of Scheduled Maintenance Miles (kilometers) or Months Schedule I1 NO. Services ” followingSchedules I and II. (whichever occursfirst). Follow Schedule I1 ONLY if none of the driving conditions specified in Schedule I apply.

*An Emission Control Service. $ne U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullib the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of vehicle usefil life. General Motors, however, urges that all recommended maintenance services be performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded in “Section E: Maintenance Record”. 274

Malntenance Schedule Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services (Cont.)

&panation of Scheduled Maintenance Sewices Below are explanations of the services listed in Schedule I parts should bereplaced and all necessary repairs done and Schedule 11. before youdrives or else anyone the vehicle. The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in Section NOTE: To determine your engine’s displacement and code, D. Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses these. All see “Engine Identification’’ in the Index.

ITEM ITEM NO. SERVICE NO. SERVICE 1 EngineOil and Oil Filter Change* - Alwaysuse steering linkage or damage to the steering linkage SG Energy Conserving I1 Oils of proper viscosity. ball joints. Check all dust boots and covers for The SG designation may be shown alone or in deterioration, cracks, grease leaks or damage, combination with others, such as SG/CC, SGKD, including drive shaft boots. Check for any leaking or SF, SG, CC, etc. To determine the preferred fluids. Replace all damaged parts and, if necessary, viscosity for your vehicle’s engine (e.g., SAE repack the grease. Where necessary, retighten any 5W-30 or 1OW-30) see “Engine Oil” in the Index. loose chassis or body nuts and bolts to the specified 2 ChassisLubrication - Lubricate the transaxleshift torque. linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody Every 15,000 miles (25 OOO km) inspect brake lines contact points and linkage. Every 7,500 miles and hoses for proper installation, chafing, cracks, (12 500 km) for Schedule I or 15,OOO miles deterioration or leaks. Replace any deteriorated or (25 OOO km) for Schedule I1 conditions, inspect damaged parts immediately. Inspect the transaxle, brake linings, drums, discs and pads for scoring, differential and steering gear for leaks. Repair all burning, runout and excessive wear. With the leaks. Add fluid as required to the proper level. See vehicle stopped, check for excessive free play in the ‘‘Brake Fluid” in the Index. steering wheel. Check for looseness or bends in the

I *An Emission Control Service. ...276 ITEM ITEM NO. SERVICE NO. SERVICE 3 Tire and Wheel Rotation and Inspection - For protection, corrosion inhibitor level and engine proper wear and maximum tire life, rotate your tires operating temperature. following the instructions in this manual. See Inspect hoses and replace if they are cracked, “Tires, Inspection and Rotation’’ in the Index. swollen or deteriorated. Tighten screw-type hose Check the tires for uneven wear or damage. If you clamps. Clean the outside of the radiator and air see irregular or premature wear, check the wheel conditioning condenser. Wash the pressure cap and alignment. Check for damaged wheels also. neck. 4 Engine Accessory Drive Belts Inspection* - To help ensure proper operation, we recommend a Inspect the drive belts for cracks, excessive wear or pressure test of both the cooling system and the oiliness. Replace any damaged belts. Check the belt pressure cap. tension and adjust as necessary. 6 TransaxleService - Formanual transaxles, the 5 Cooling System Service* - Drain, flush and refill fluid doesn’t require changing. the system with new or approved recycled coolant conforming to GM Specification 1825M. Keep For automatic transaxles, change the fluid in the coolant at the proper mixture as specified. See transaxle and differential (3-speed automatic only) “Coolant” in the Index. This provides proper freeze every 15,000 miles (25 OOO km) if the vehicle is

*An Emission Control Service. Maintenance Schedule Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services (Cont.)

ITEM ITEM NO. SERVICE NO.SERVICE

is mainly driven under one or more of these 7 Spark Plug Replacement” - Replace spark plugs conditions: with the proper type. See “Replacement Parts’’ in In heavy city traffic where the outside the Index. temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or 8 Air Cleaner Filter Service” - Replace every higher. 30,000 miles (50 OOO km) or more often under dusty In hilly or mountainous terrain. conditions. Ask your dealer for the proper replacement intervals for your driving conditions. When doing frequent trailer towing. 9 Fuel Tank Cap Gasket Replacement” - Replace Uses such as found in taxi, police car, or the gasket. Make sure the new gasket is correctly delivery service. installed. If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid every 100,OOO miles (160 OOO km).

*An Emission Control Service.

...278 ITEM ITEM NO. SERVICE NO. SERVICE

10 Fuel Lines and Connection Inspection*$ - Inspect 13 Engine Idle Speed Adjustment* - Adjust the idle fuel lines, connections and tank band for corrosion, speed to factory specifications. damage, cracks or loose or leaking connections. 14 Valve Clearance Adjustment* - The valve Tighten the connections or replace the parts as clearance should be adjusted to factory necessary. Periodic replacement of the fuel filter is specifications. not required. 15 Engine Timing Belt Replacement - Replace at 11 Exhaust Pipes System Inspection* - Inspect the 6O,O00 miles (100 O00 km) for vehicles frequently exhaust pipes, muffler and hangers for cracks, idled for extensive periods and/or driven for long deterioration or damage. Start the engine and listen distances at low speed, such as found in police, taxi, carefully for any exhaust gas leakage. Tighten the or door-to-door delivery service. connections or replace the parts as necessary. 12 Charcoal Canister Inspection* - Inspect for internal damage or clogging. Clean with compressed air or replace if necessary. *An Emission Control Service. $ne U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of vehicle usefil life. General Motors, however, urges that all recommended maintenance services be performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded in your Maintenance Record (Section E). Maintenance Schedule Section B: Owner Checks and Services Listed below are owner checks and services which should be Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. madeat the intervals specified to help ensure the safety, Whenever any fluids or lubricants are addedto your vehicle, dependabilityand emission control performance of your make surethey are theproper ones, asshown in Section D. vehicle.

I At Each Fuel Fill (it is important tor you or a service station attendant toperfom these untterhd checks at each he/ ti//.) I. CHECK I I OR SERVICE I WHAT TO DO Engine Oil Level Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if necessary. See “Engine Oil” in the Index for further details.

~ ~_____ Engine Coolant Level Check the engine coolant level in the coolant recovery tank and add the proper coolant mix if necessary. See “Coolant” in the Index for further details.

~ ~~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ Windshield Washer Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if FluidLevel necessary. See “Windshield I Washer Fluid” in theIndex for further details. Hood Latch Pull the primary hood latch release handle inside the vehicle. The secondary latch should keep Operation the hood from opening all the way when the primary latch is released. Make sure the hood closes firmly. See “Hood Release” in the Index for further details. I

- .2ao At Least Once a Month CHECK OR SERVICE WHAT TO DO Tire Inflation Check tire inflation. Make sure they are inflated to the pressures specified on the Tire-Loading Information label located on the inside of the glove box door. See “Tires” in the Index for further details.

At least Twice a Year CHECK OR SERVICE WHAT TO DO Fluid Level Check Check the power steering pump, hydraulic clutch and automatic or manual transaxle fluid levels and add as needed. See “Power Steering,” “Hydraulic Clutch” and “Automatic Transaxle” or “Manual Transaxle” in the Index. A fluid loss in these systems could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired at once.

I 281 ’ Maintenance Schedule Section 6: Owner Checks and Services (Cont.)

At Least Once a Year CHECK OR SERVICE WHAT TO DO Key Lock Cylinders Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant specified in SectionD.

~ ~~~ Seat Operation Make sure the head restraints stay in position and all seat latches lock. Check that the recliner holds by pushing and pulling the seatback while it is reclined.

Starter Switch When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly.If it does, you or A others could be injured. Follow the steps below. 1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle. 2. Firmly apply both the parking brake (see “Parking Brake” in the Index if necessary) and the regular brake. Note: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts. 3. On automatic transaxle vehicles, try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should work only in P (Park) or N (Neutral). If the starter works in any other position, your vehicle needs service. On manual transaxle vehicles, put the shift lever in Neutral, push the clutch down halfway, and try to start the engine. The starter should work only when the clutch is pushed down all the way to the floor. If the starter works when the clutch isn’t pushed all theway ...; down, your vehicle needs service. At Least Once a Year (CONT.) CHECK OR SERVICE WHAT TO DO CAUTION Brake-Transaxle Shift When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. If it does, you or others Interlock-BTSI could be injured. Follow the steps below. (Automatic Transaxle) a

1. Before you start, be sure you have enol .’-I room around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level surface. 2. Firmly apply the parking brake (see “Parking Brake’’ in the Index if necessary). Note: Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if the vehicle begins to move. 3. With the engine off, turn the key to the ON position, but don’t start the engine. Without applying the regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of P (Park) with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out of P (Park), your vehicle’s BTSI needs service.

~~ ~~ Steering Column Lock While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the key to LOCK in each shift lever position. With an automatic transaxle, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in P (Park). With a manual transaxle, the key should turn to LOCK only if you push the key in farther, while turning it towards LOCK. On all vehicles, the key should come out only in LOCK. Maintenance Schedule Section B: Owner Checks and Services (Cont.)

, At least Once a Year (CONT.) CHECK WHAT TO 00 OR SERVICE

Parking Brake and When you are doing this check, your vehicle could begin to move. You or others Automatic Transaxle could be injured and property could be damaged. Make sure there is room in front P (Park) Mechanism Aof your vehicle in case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake at once should the vehicle begin to move. Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the parking brake. To check the parking brake: With the engine running and transaxle in N (Neutral), slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking brake only. To check the P (Park) mechanism’s holding ability: Shift to P (Park). Then release all brakes. Underbody Flushing At least every spring, use plain water to flush any corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris can collect. .. Maintenance Schedule Section C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections Listed below are inspections and services which should be department or other qualified service center do these jobs. performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring Make sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. and fall). You should let your GM dealer’s service

INSPECTION OR SERVICE WHAT SHOULD BE DONE Steering, Suspension, Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts, and Front-Wheel-Drive signs of wear, or lack of lubrication. On vehicles equipped with power steering, inspect the AxleBoot and Seal power steering lines and hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. On Inspectionvehicles with manual steering, check for sealleakage. Clean and then inspect the drive axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace seals if necessary. Exhaust System Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near the exhaust system. Look for broken, Inspection damaged, missing, or out-of-position parts as well as open seams, holes, loose connections, or other conditions which could cause a heat build-up in the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index. Throttle Linkage Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding, and for damaged or missing parts. Inspection Replace parts as needed. Check the accelerator pedal for smooth operation and even pedal effort. Maintenance Schedule Section C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections (Cont.)

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE Brake System Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks, Inspection cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition. Also inspect brake drum linings for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including drums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc. Check parking brake adjustment. You may need to have your brakes inspected more often if your driving habits or conditions result in frequent braking. Note: A low brake fluid level can indicate worn disc brake pads which may need to be serviced. Also, if the brake system warning light stays on or comes on, something may be wrong with the brake system. See “Brake System Warning Light’’ in the Index. If your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes and the anti-lock brake system warning light stays on, comes on or flashes, something may be wrong with the anti-lock brake system. See “Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light’’ in the Index.

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

INSPECTION I OR SERVICE I WHAT SHOULD BE DONE Air Bag System The air bag system should be inspected by a qualified technician at 120 months. After 120 Inspection months, have the system inspected every 24 months. Maintenance Schedule Section D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants

Note: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number or specification may be obtained from your GM dealer. I USAQE FLUID/LUBRICANT Engine Oil GM Goodwrench Motor Oil or equivalent for API service SG Energy Conserving I1 oils of the recommended viscosity. The SG designation may be shown alone or in combination with others, such as SG/CC, SGICD, or SF, SG, CC, etc. To determine the preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s engine, see “Engine Oil” in the Index, Engine Coolant 5060 mixture of water (preferably distilled) and good quality ethylene glycol base antifreeze (GM Part No. 1052753 or equivalent) conforming to GM Specification 1825M or approved recycled coolant conforming to GM Specification 1825M.

~~~ Hydraulic Brake Delco-Supreme 11@ Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 1052535) or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid, II System II - Hydraulic Clutch Hydraulic Clutch Fluid (GM Part No. 12345347) or equivalent. System Power Steering System DEXRON*-I1 Automatic Transmission Fluid (GM Part No. 1051855) or equivalent. Manual Transaxle SAE 75W-90 GL-4 (GM Part No. 12346074 Castrol* Syntorq GL-4 or equivalent) or SAE 75W-90GL-5 Gear Lubricant. II I 1 Automatic Transaxle DEXRON*-I1 Automatic Transmission Fluid (GM Part No. 1051855) or equivalent. I I Key Lock Cylinders Lubricate with Multi-Purpose Lubricant (GM Part No. 12345120), synthetic SAE 5W-30 engine oil or silicone lubricant (GM Part No. 1052276 or 1052277). I I Manual Transaxle Chassis lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI Grade 2, Category LB or GC-LB (GM Part No. 1 I Shift Linkage 1052497 or equivalent).

9 9 288 USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT

Automatic Transaxle Engine oilI Shift Linkage Clutch Linkage Pivot Lithium base grease Points Floor Shift Linkage Engine oil. Wheel Bearings Wheel bearing grease meeting requirements of NLGI Grade 2, Category GC or GC-LB (GM Part No. 1051344), Chassis Lubrication Chassis lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI Grade 2, Category LB or GC-LB (GM Part No. 1052497 or equivalent), Windshield Washer GM Optikleena Washer Solvent (GM Part No. 105 15 15) or equivalent. Solvent Hood Latch Assembly a. Pivots and Spring a. Engine oil or Lubriplate Lubricant (GM Part No. 1050109). Anchor b.Release Pawl b. Chassis lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI Grade 2, Category LB or GC-LB (GM Part No. 1052497 or equivalent). Hood and Door Hinges, Engine oil or Lubriplate Lubricant (GM Part No. 1050109). Fuel Door Hinge, Rear Compartment Lid Hinges Weatherstrips Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No. 12345579 or equivalent). See ‘‘Replacement Parts’ In the Index for recommended replacement filters, valves and spark plugs.

289 9 . .- - Maintenance Schedule Section E: Maintenance Record

After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, or Schedule I1 maintenance charts which correspond to the odometer reading, and who performed the service in the maintenance performed. Also, you should retain all columns indicated. When completing the Maintenance maintenance receipts. Your owner information portfolio is a Performed column, insert the numbers from the Schedule 1 convenient place to store them. ODOMETER DATE SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED READING

I

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

ODOMETER OATE SERVICED BY MAINTENANCEPERFORMED READING

- 292 Part 8 Customer Assistance Information

Hereyou will find out how to Customer Satisfaction Procedure...... , , , ...... ,294 contact Chevrolet/Geo if you GM Participation in Better Business Bureau need assistance. This part also MediatiodArbitration Program ...... , ...... , ...... 296 tells you how to obtain service Reporting Safety Defects to the United States publications and how 'to report Government ...... 298 Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government ...... 299 any safety defects. Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors ...... 299 Chevrolet/Geo Roadside Assistance Program ...... 300 Service Publications ...... ,301

293 Customer Satisfaction Procedure matter has already been reviewed with In Mexico, call 254- 17-86. In herto Your satisfaction and goodwill are the Sales, Service, or Parts Manager, Rico or U. S. Virgin Islands, call important to your dealer and contact the owner of the dealership or 1-809-763- 1315. In all other overseas Chevrolet/Geo . Normally, any problems the General Manager. locations, contact GM International with the sales transaction or the STEP TWO - If after contacting a Export Sales in Canada by calling operation of your vehicle will be member of Dealership Management, it 1-416-644-41 12. resolved by your dealer’s Sales or appears your problem cannot be For prompt assistance, please have the Service Departments. Sometimes, resolved by the dealership without following information available to give however, despite the best intentions of further help, contact the Chevrolet/Geo the Customer Assistance Representative: all concerned, misunderstandings can Motor Division Customer Assistance Your name, address, telephone occur. If your concern has not been Center by calling 1-800-222-1020. In number resolved to your satisfaction, the Canada, contact GM of Canada following steps should be taken: Customer Assistance Center in Oshawa Vehicle Identification Number (This is available from the vehicle registration STEP ONE - Discuss your problem by calling 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French). or title, or the plate attached to the with a member of dealership left top of the instrument panel and management. Complaints can often be visible through the windshield.) quickly resolved at that level. If the 294 Dealership name and location A listing of all Chevrolet/Geo Branch Customer Assistance for the Hearing Vehicle delivery date and present Offices and offices outside the U.S. or Speech Impaired mileage which can assist you can be found in the To assist owners who have hearing warranty booklet. Nature of problem difficulties, Chevrolet/Geo has installed When contacting Chevrolet/Geo, please special TDD (Telecommunication In order to give your inquiry prompt remember that your problem will likely Devices for the Deaf) equipment in its attention, please call the toll-free be resolved in the dealership, using the Customer Assistance Center. Any number listed above. However, if you dealership’s facilities, equipment and hearing or speech impaired customer wish to write Chevrolet/Geo, write to: personnel. That is why we suggest you who has access to a TDD or a , Chevrolet/Geo follow Step One first if you have a conventional teletypewriter (TTY) can

~ Customer Assistance Center problem. communicate with Chevrolet/Geo by P.O. Box 7047 dialing: 1 -800-TDD-CHEV (TDD users Troy, MI 48007-7047 in Canada can dial 1-800-263-3830.)

295 . . Customer Assistance Information

H GM Particcipahn in Better Business Bureau called BBB AUTO LINE. This program We prefer that you not resort to BBB MecEiation/Arb&&n is administered by the Council of Better AUTO LINE until after a final decision Business Bureaus through local Better is made under the Customer Satisfaction Progmm" Business Bureaus. The program can Procedure. However, you may file a General Motors reserves the right to resolve individual disputes involving claim at any time by contacting your change eligibility limitations and/or to vehicle repairs and the interpretation of local Better Business Bureau (BBB) at discontinue its participation in this your New Vehicle Limited Warranty. the following toll-free number: program. 1-800-955-5 100. For further information Our experience has shown that the about filing a claim, you may also write Customer Satisfaction Procedure to: described earlier in this part has been BBB AUTO LINE very successful in achieving customer Council of Better Business Bureaus satisfaction. However, if you have not 4200 W ikon Boulevard been substantially satisfied, Suite 800 Chevrolet/Geo wants you to be aware of Arlington, VA 22203 GM's voluntary participation in a no-charge mediatiodarbitration program I In order to file a claim, you will have to ordinarily take about 40 days from the required to duplicate the functions of provide your name and address, the time you file your complaint to the time courts by strictly applying state or vehicle identification number (VIN) of a decision is rendered (or 47 days if you federal law. If you wish to go to court, your vehicle, and a statement of the did not first contact your dealer or however, we do not require that you nature of your complaint. BBB staff may Chevrolet/Geo). first file a claim with BBB AUTO try to help resolve your dispute through We encourage you to use this program LINE** unless state law provides mediation. If mediation is not before or instead of resorting to the otherwise. Whatever your preference successful, or if you do not wish to courts. We believe it offers advantages may be, remember that if you are participate in mediation, eligible over courts in most jurisdictions because unhappy with the results of BBB AUTO customers may present their case to an it is fast, free of charge, and informal LINE, you can still go to court because impartial third-party arbitrator at an (lawyers are not usually present, an arbitrator’s decision is binding on informal hearing. The arbitrator will although you may retain one at your GM but not on you, unless you accept render a decision in your case, which expense if you choose). Arbitrators it. you may accept or reject. If you accept make decisions based on the principles a valid arbitrator decision, GM will be of fairness and equity, and are not bound by that decision. The entire dispute settlement process should Customer Assistance Information

Repohng Safety Defects Eligibility is limited by vehicle to the United States To contact NHTSA, you may either call age/mileage and other factors. For the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at further information concerning the Government 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in the program, call the BBB at If you believe that your vehicle has a Washington, D.C. area) or write to: 1-800-955-5100. You may also contact defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should NHTSA the Chevrolet/Geo Customer Assistance U .S . Department of Transportation Center by calling 1-800-222- 1020. immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Washington D.C. 20590 *This program may not be available in (NHTSA), in addition to notifying You can also obtain other information all states, depending on state law. General Motors. about motor vehicle safety from the Canadian owners refer to your Hotline. warranty booklet. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, **Some states may require that you file it may open an investigation, and if it a claim with BBB AUTO LINE finds that a safety defect exists in a before resorting to state-operating group of vehicles, it may order a recall procedures (including court). and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or General Motors. Reporting Safety Defects H Reponkg Safety Defects to the Cadn to General Motors In Canada, please call us at In addition to notifying NHTSA (or 1-800-263-3777 (English) or Government 1 -8O-263-7854 (French).Or, write: If you live in Canada, and you believe Transport Canada) in a situation like that your vehicle has a safety defect, this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us. General Motors of Canada Limited you should immediately notify Transport Please call us at 1-800-222-1020, or Customer Assistance Center Canada, in addition to notifying General write: 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Motors of Canada Limited. You may Chevrolet/Geo Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 write to: Customer Assistance Center Transport Canada P.O. Box 7047 Box 8880 Roy, Michigan 48007-7047 Ottawa, Ontario K1G 352 Customer Assistance Information

4 Chevrolet/Geo Roadside Assistance hgmm problem cannot be resolved over the The Roadside Assistance Center uses To enhance Chevrolet’s strong phone, our advisors have access to a companies that will provide you with commitment to customer satisfaction, nationwide network of dealer quality and priority service. When Chevrolet is excited to announce the recommended service providers. The roadside services are required, our establishment of the Chevrolet/Geo following services are available: advisors will explain any payment Roadside Assistance Center. As the Towing obligations that may be incurred for utilizing outside services. owner of a 1993 Chevrolet/Geo, Locksmith membership in Roadside Assistance is free. Tire Repair Roadside Assistance is available 24 Glass Replacement hours a day, 365 days a year, by calling Rental car or taxi 1 -800-CHEV USA(1 -800-243-8872). Additional services as necessary This toll-free number will provide you over-the-phone roadside assistance with minor mechanical problems. If your

9 9 300 Service Publicdons For prompt assistance when calling, Please refer to the Roadside Assistance Information on how to obtain Product please have the following available to brochure inside your portfolio for full Service Publications and Indexes as give to the advisor: program details. described below is applicable only in the Vehicle Identification Number In Canada please consult your GM fifty U.S. states (and the District of Columbia) and only for cars and light License plate number Dealer regarding availablity of Roadside Assistance. trucks with GVWR less than 10,OOO Vehicle color pounds (4 536 kg). Vehicle location In Canada, information pertaining to Telephone number where you can be Product Service Bulletins and Indexes reached can be obtained by writing I Vehicle mileage General Motors of Canada Limited Service Publications Department Description of problem 1908 Colonel Sam Dr. Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7

301 9 9 9 Customer Assistance Information

Chevrolet/Geo regularly sends its to fix your vehicle. They can help a Individual PSP’s dealers useful service bulletins about technician service your vehicle better. If you don’t want to buy all the PSP’s Chevrolet/Geo products. Chevrolet/Geo Most bulletins apply to conditions issued by Chevrolet/Geo for all car or 1monitors product performance in the affecting a small number of cars or truck models in the model year, you can 1field. We then prepare bulletins for trucks. Your Chevrolet/Geo dealer or a buy individual PSP’s, such as those !servicing our products better. Now, you qualified technician may have to which may pertain to a particular model. 4:an get these bulletins too. determine if a specific bulletin applies to To do this, you will first need to see our Bulletins cover various subjects. Some your vehicle. index of PSP’s. It provides a variety of pertain to the proper use and care of information. Here’s what you’ll find in your vehicle. Some describe costly the index and how you can get one: repairs. Others describe inexpensive repairs which, if done on time with the latest parts, may avoid future costly repairs. Some bulletins tell a technician how to repair a new or unexpected condition. Others describe a quicker way

302 What You’ll Find in the Index: How You Can Get an Index: Some PSP’s pertaining to a particular A list of all PSP’s published by Indexes are published periodically. Most model year vehicle may be published in Chevrolet/Geo in a model year (1990 of the PSP’s which could potentially later years, and these would be listed in or later). PSP’s covering all models apply to the most recent Chevrolet/Geo the later year’s index. When you order of Chevrolet/Geo cars or light trucks models will be listed in the most recent an index for a model year that is not (less than 10,OOO lbs. (4 536 kg) publication for that model year. This over yet, we’ll send you -the most GVWR) are listed in the same index. means you may want to wait until the recently published issue. Check the ordering form for indexes for earlier Ordering information so you can buy end of the model year before ordering model years. the specific PSP’s you may want. an index, if you are interested in buying PSP’s pertaining to a current model year Cut out the ordering form, fill it out, Price information for the PSP’s you car or truck. and mail it in. We will then see to it that may want to buy. an index is mailed to you. There is no charge for indexes for the 1990- 1993 model years.

303 Custornw Asslstance Information

TolCFree Telephone Number A VERY IMPORTANT REMINDER: Chevrolet/Geo Service Publications If you want an additional ordering form These PSP’s are meant for technicians. You can get these by using the order for an index or a subscription, just call They are not meant for the form. toll-free and we’ll be happy to send you “do-it-yourselfer. ” Technicians have the one. Automated recording equipment equipment, tools, safety instructions, will take your name and mailing and know-how to do a job quickly and address. The number to call is safely. 1-800-551-4123. 1993 CHEVROLET/GEO SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION The following publications covering the operationand servicing of your vehicle can be purchasedby filling out the Senlice Publications Order Form in this book and mailingit with your check, money order or credit card information to Helm, incorporated (address listed below). CURRENT PUBLICATIONSFOR 1993 GEO PRlZM PRODUCT SERVICE PUBLICATIONS SERVICE MANUALS (Available 4/93) Product ServicePublications (PSP’s), are bulletins, lettersand articles Service Manuals have the diagnosis, repairand overhaul information published for trained dealer service personnel. See Service Publica- on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,electrical, steer- tions listed previously in this section. ing, body, etc. A cumulative index is published quarterly during the current model M odel Form Number Form Model Price year. The indexes list all PSP’s publishedby Chevrolet in the modelyear. 1993 Geo Prizm ...... ST.373-93$43.00 PSP Index and Summaries ‘Please specify special body or engine types on order form. Write Form Number Year Form Price information in the Form Number column. For example: Turbo, 1992 PSPI-92 ...... Free Convertible. 1991 PSPI-91 ...... Free 1990 PSPI-90 ...... Free OWNER’S INFORMATION Owner publicationsare written directly forOwners and intendedto pro- NOTE: Form Numbers for individual Product Service Publications mayvide basic operational information about the vehicle. The Owner’s be found in the PSP Index. Prices are $4.00 for the first PSP and $2.00 Manual includes the Maintenance Schedule for all models. for each additional PSP on the same order. PSP Bound Bulletin Book (Complete Year Bulletins) 1993 Geo Prltm Owner’s Manual Description Form Number PriceNumberYear FormDescription In Portfolio: Includes Portlolio, Owner‘s Manual and Warranty Booklet. 1991 AllPSP’S ...... 40.00 PSP-91-4 1993 Geo Prizm In-Portfolio ...... ,10213039 $15.00 1990 All PSP’S ...... PSP-90-4 40.00 Without Portfolio: Includes Owner’s Manual. For subrrcrlption information call Helm, Incorporated. 1993 Geo Prizm WithoutPortfolio ...... ,10193597 $11.00

CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS Address all inquiries to: HELM, INCORPORATEC I Service Publications are available for current and past model P.O. Box 07130 ChevroleffGeo vehicles.To request an order form, please specify year Detroit, MI 48207 and model name of vehicle. Credit Card Orders ONLY 1-800-782-4356 For information and inquiries call:(313) 883-1430 Notes CHEVROLET/GEO SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDER FORM NOTE: Please complete form below (Print or Qpe) and MAIL TO:

Post Office Box 07130, Detroit, Michigan 48207 ORDER TOLL FREE @Minimum Credit Card Order$10.00 For Card "Older Orders Only) If further information is needed, write Helm or call (313) 883-1430. 1-800-782-4356 (Monda -Frida 8~30A.M.-~:oo P.M. EST) ORDER INFORMATION NOT AVAILABLE THROUGHTHE TOLL FREE NUMBER.

Expiration Check here if your billing (CITY) CODE) (STATE) (ZIP m address isdifferentfrom your T Date mo/yr: rl shipping address shown. DAYTIME TELEPHONE NO. CODE 0 (CUSTOMER SIGNATURE)

CHEVROLET/GEO SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDER FORM NOTE: Please complete form below (Print or Type) and MAIL TO: Elm Post Office Box 07130, Detroit, Michigan 48207 ORDER TOLL FREEOrder Card Credit *Minimum $10.00 1 For 'IBdit Card "'Ider Orders Only) If further information is needed, write Helm or call (313) 883-1430. 1-800-782-4356 8:30 A,M.-~:ooP.M. EST) ORDER INFORMATION NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH THE TOLL FREE NUMBER.

PUBLICATIONTOTAL FORM NUMBER. DESCRIPTION ITEM VEHICLE MODEL PRICE NAME EACH- ST-373-93 Service Manual Geo Prizm $43 1993 .OO

1021 3039 Owner's Manual In-Portfolio Geo Pritm 1993 $15.00 - 101 93597 Owner's Manual Without-Portfolio Geo Prizm $1 1993 1 .oo 1 I I I

TOTAL MATERIAL 0 Checkor Money Michigen- Orderpayable to add 4% sales tax Helm, Inc. (USA Handling Charge $3.50 funds only- do not se nd cash.)send Paatage/Canadian $6.50 Handlina (US FundsL (CU STOM ER NAME) (ATTENTION) NAME) (CUSTOMER TOTAL GRAND0 MasterCard VISA i (STRE ET ADDRESS-NO (STREET P.O. BOX NUMBERS) Account ml Number: Check here if your billing (STATE) (ZIP CODE) Date~xpiration mo/yr:m m :ggCs;!m;en;;;ourn

(CUSTOMER SIGNATURE) :Prims are subject to change without notice and without incurring obligation. NOTE: All listed prices are quotedin U.S.funds. Canadian residents arelo make checks payablein U.S. funds Orders for Individual Product amice Publicationscannot be filled without the and are to include $8.50 for additional postage andhandling. Requests for manualsprinted in French should appropriate bulletin numbers. These numbers maybe found In the PSP Index. Your be directed to Canadian GeneralMotors dealerships. first Product Service Publication costs $4.00; each additional PSP costs $2.00. pl*aW dbwad*quat* time tor Potml owvh. 309

Index

ABS Active Light ...... 95 Appearance Care. Service and...... 2 1 1 Braking ...... 137 Add-on Electrical Equipment...... 258 Ashtray. Front ...... 87 Braking in Emergencies...... 142 AirBag ...... 25 Ashtray. Rear ...... 87 “Break-In. .. New Vehicle ...... 54 How It Works ...... 26 Ashtrays and Lighter ...... 86 Brightness Control ...... 75 Servicing Your Geo Assist Grips. Passenger ...... 86 Bulb Replacement...... 236 with the System...... 29 Audio Systems ...... 105 Backup Lights ...... 240 System Light...... 26 Automatic Transaxle ...... 58 Center High-Mounted Stoplight... 238 Aircleaner ...... 224 Automatic Transaxle Fluid...... 224 Front Sidemarker Lights...... 238 Air Conditioner Controls...... 103 Front Turn Signal Lights...... 237 Air Filter Replacement...... 224 Balance. Tire ...... 247 Headlights ...... 236 Alignment. Wheel ...... 247 Battery ...... 235 License Plate Light...... 239 Aluminum Wheel Cleaning...... 255 Bi-Level Heating ...... 101 Parking Lights...... 237 AM/FM Stereo...... 107 Blizzard. If You’re Caught in a..... 170 Rear Sidemarker Lights ...... 240 AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Brakes Tail/Stop/Turn Signal Lights..... 239 and Compact DiscPlayer ...... 1 16 Anti.Lock ...... 139 Bulbs, Halogen ...... 236 AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Anti-Lock System Warning Light... 94 Bulbs, Replacement ...... 262 Tape Player ...... 109 Brake Transaxle Shift Antenna ...... 125 Interlock (BTSI) ...... 67 Capacities and Specifications ...... 263 Anti-Lock Brake System ...... 139 Disc. Wear Indicators...... 141 Carbon Monoxide...... 170 Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Fluid ...... 234 Cassette TapePlayer, Care of Your . .124 Light ...... 94 Master Cylinder ...... 233 Cassette Tape. To Play a Appearance Care ...... 249 Parking ...... 64 AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Appearance Care and Maintenance PedalTravel ...... 126 and Compact Disc Player ...... 118 Materials ...... 257 Rear Drum...... 142 AM/FM Stereo with Cassette System Parts. Replacing...... 235 Tape Player ...... 111 System Warning Light...... 93 Index

Certification Label ...... 24 1 Cleaning Controls Chains. Tire ...... 248 Fabric. Using Foam-Type Air Conditioner...... 103 Changing a Flat Tire ...... 200 Cleaner on ...... 250 Brightness ...... 75 Charging System Light...... 97 Fabric. Using Solvent-Type Comfort ...... 100 Check Engine Light (Malfunction Cleaner on ...... 25 1 Cruise ...... 77 Indicator Lamp) ...... 97 Geo. the Inside of Your...... 250 Heater ...... 100 Checking Things under the Hood.... 2 17 Geo. the Outside of Your...... 254 Seats and Seat ...... 12 Checking Your Restraint Systems.... 44 Glass ...... 253 Coolant Chevrolet/Geo Roadside Instrument Panel. Engine ...... 228 Assistance ...... 300 the Topof the ...... 253 Radiator, How to Addto the ...... 197 Child Restraints ...... 35 Vinyl or Leather ...... 252 Recovery Tank. How to Add Securing in a Rear Outside Windshield. Coolant to ...... 195 Position ...... 36 the Outsideof Your ...... 254 Temperature Gage. Engine...... 95 Securing in the Center Rear Clock. Setting the...... 106 Cooling (Air Conditioning) ...... 103 Seat Position ...... 39 Clusters. Instrument Panel and ...... 90 Cruise Control ...... 77 Securing in the RightFront Seat ....40 Clutch. Hydraulic...... 228 To Erase Speed Memory...... 81 Top Strap...... 36 Comfort Controls and Audio To Get Out of ...... 81 Children (Safety Belts)...... 34 Systems ...... 99 To Increase Speed...... 80 Children. Larger (Safety Belts) ..... -42 Compact Disc. Care of ...... 125 To Reduce Speed...... 80 Cigarette Lighter ...... 86 Compact Disc Player. AM/FMStereo To Resume a Set Speed...... 79 Circuit Breakers, Fusesand ...... 259 with Cassette Tape and...... 116 To Set ...... 78 City Driving ...... 157 Compact Disc. To Play a ...... 119 Using on Hills...... 81 Compact Spare ...... 207 Compartments. Storage and...... 84

...31 2 Cupholder ...... 84 Driver Position (Safety Belt) ...... 20 blectrical Equipment. Add.On .....258 Customer Assistancefor the Hearing Driving Engine or Speech Impaired...... 295 A Long Distance...... 161 Coolant ...... 228 Customer Assistance And the Road. Your ...... 127 Coolant Temperature Gage...... 95 Information ...... 293 AtNight ...... 150 Exhaust ...... 68 Customer Satisfaction City ...... 157 Identification...... 258 Procedure ...... 294 Defensive ...... 132 Oil ...... 220 Drunken ...... 132 Oil Pressure Light...... 96 Defensive Driving ...... 132 Freeway ...... 158 Overheating...... 192 Defogger Light. Rear Window ...... 98 In Fog. Mist and Haze ...... 155 Starting Your...... 55 Defogger. Rear Window ...... 104 In Fog. Tips on ...... 156 Exhaust, Engine ...... 68 Defogging and Defrosting In the Rain...... 153 Extender, SafetyBelt ...... 44 Windows ...... 102 On Curves ...... 143 Dehumidifying On Snow or Ice ...... 168 Fabric Protection ...... 251 (Air Conditioning) ...... 103 On the Freeway...... 159 Features and Controls...... 47 Disc Brake'Wear Indicators ...... 141 Through Deep Standing Water..... 58 Filling YourTank...... 216 Dome Light...... 73 Winter ...... 167 Five-Speed Manual Transaxle...... 62 Door With a Trailer ...... 176 Flash-to-Pass ...... 74 Locks ...... 49 Drunken Driving *...... 133 Flashers. Hazard Warning...... 182 Locks. Power ...... 50 Flat Tire. Changing ...... a 200 Security Lock, Rear ...... SO Flat, If a Tire Goes ...... -199 Storage Compartments ...... 85 Flow-Through Ventilation System... 104 Fluids and Lubricants, Recommended ...... 288 Fog. Mist and Haze. Driving in .....155 Headlight Fog. Tips on Driving in ...... 156 Bulb Replacement...... 236 Jump Starting ...... 183 Folding Seatback. Rear ...... 14 High/Low Beam ...... 73 Freeway Lever. Turn Signal ...... 7 1 Keys ...... 48 Driving ...... 158 Lights OnReminder ...... 74 Driving on the...... 159 Heater Controls ...... 100 Lane Change Indicator. Turn Entering the...... 159 Heating ...... 101 Signal and ...... 72 Leaving the ...... 160 Heating. Bi-Level...... 10 1 Lap-Shoulder Belt...... 21 Fuel ...... 2 13 High/Low Beam. Headlight...... 73 Lighter. Ashtrays and ...... 86 Gage ...... 93 Hill and Mountian Roads...... 163 Lights In Foreign Countries ...... 2 15 Hills. Parkingon ...... 165 ABS Active ...... 95 Filling Your Tank...... 2 16 Hitches (Trailer) ...... 175 Air Bag System ...... 26 Fuse Block. Engine Compartment ...261 Hood Release ...... 2 17 Anti-Lock SystemWarning ...... 94 Fuse Block. Instrument Panel ...... 260 Horn ...... 71 Brake SystemWarning ...... 93 Fuses andCircuit Breakers ...... 259 Hydraulic Clutch ...... 228 Charging System ...... 97 Hydroplaning ...... 154 Dome ...... 73 Gages Door Warning ...... 98 Engine CoolantTemperature ...... 95 Identification Engine Oil Pressure ...... 96 Fuel ...... 93 Engine ...... 258 Flash-to-Pass ...... 74 Warning Lights. Indicators and..... 92 Label. Service Parts ...... 258 Interior ...... 74 GloveBox ...... 85 Number. Vehicle...... 258 Lights On Reminder ...... 74 GM Participation inBetter Business If You’re Stuck: In Sand Malfunction Indicator Lamp Bureau MediatiodArbitration Mud. Ice or Snow ...... 208 (Check Engine) ...... 97 Program ...... 296 Ignition Switch ...... 54 Operation ...... 72 Inflation - Tire Pressure ...... 224 Overdrive Off ...... 98 Halogen Bulbs ...... 236 Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror ...8 1 Rear Window Defogger ...... 98 Hazard WarningFlashers ...... 182 Instrument Panel andClusters ...... 90 Safety Belt Reminder ...... 20 Head Restraints ...... 14 Interior Lights ...... 74 Traffic ...... 130 Warnings. Gages andIndicators ... -92 Loading Your Vehicle ...... 240 New Vehicle “Break-In” ...... 54 Parts. Replacement ...... 263 Lock. Rear Door Security ...... SO Passenger Locks. Door ...... 49 Odometer. Speedometer and ...... 90 Assist Grips...... 86 Odometer. Trip...... 9 1 Center Position (Safety Belt)...... 33 Maintenance Off-Road Recovery ...... 146 Positions (Safety Belt)...... 31 Inspections. Periodic...... 285 Oil Pressure Light. Engine...... 96 Rear Seat (Safety Belt)...... 31 Materials. Appearance Oil. Engine ...... 220 Rear Seat Outside (Safety Belt)..... 31 Care and ...... 257 Operation of Lights ...... 72 Right Front Position Record ...... 290 Overdrive ...... 62 (Safety Belt)...... 31 Schedule ...... 267 Overdrive Off Light ...... 98 Passing ...... 146 Services. Explanationof Overheating. Engine...... 192 Pavement Markings ...... 131 Scheduled ...... 276 Owner Checks and Services...... 280 Power Services. Scheduled ...... 27 1 Door Locks ...... SO When Trailer Towing ...... 179 P(Park). Shifting into...... 65 Steering ...... 143 Malfunction Indicator Lamp ...... 97 P (Park). Shiftingout of ...... 67 Steering Fluid ...... 231 Manual Front Seat ...... 12 Paint Windows ...... 70 Manual Transaxle Chemical Spotting...... 256 Pregnancy. Safety Belt Use during ...31 Five-Speed ...... 62 Finish Care ...... 254 Problems on the Road...... 181 Fluid ...... 227 Finish Damage ...... 256 Publications. Service ...... 301 Shiftspeeds ...... 63 Foreign Material...... 255 Manual Windows ...... 70 Parking Radiator Pressure Cap ...... 231 Mirrors ...... 82 Brake ...... 64 Radiator. How to Add Coolant Electric Control...... 83 Downhill ...... 166 tothe ...... 197 Inside Day/Night Rearview...... 82 Manual Transaxle...... 67 Radio Reception, Understanding.... 124 Manual Remote Control ...... 82 On Hills ...... 165 Radio, To Play the Outside. Convex ...... 82 On Hills (With a Trailer) ...... 178 AM/FM Stereo ...... 107 Visor Vanity ...... 86 Over Things That Burn...... 68 AM/FM Stereowith Cassette Tape Uphill ...... 166 and Compact Disc Player ...... 116 AM/FM Stereowith Cassette Tape Player ...... 109 Rear Drum Brakes ...... 142 Rocking Your Vehicle Safety Defects Rear Window Defogger ...... 104 to Get It Out...... 209 Reporting to General Motors .....299 Rear Window Defogger Light...... 98 Running Your Engine While You’re Reporting to the Canadian Reclining Front Seatbacks ...... 13 Parked (Automatic Transaxle) .....69 Government ...... 299 Recommended Fluids and Reporting to theUnited States Lubricants ...... 288 Safety Belts Government ...... 298 Remote Trunk Lock Release...... 52 Care of ...... 253 Safety Warnings...... 5 Replacement. Bulb ...... 236 Center Passenger Position ...... 33 Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow. If You’re Replacement Bulbs...... 262 Children ...... 34 Stuck in ...... 208 Replacement Parts ...... 263 Driver Position ...... 20 Scheduled Maintenance Replacing Safety Beltsafter a Extender ...... 44 Services ...... 271 Crash ...... 45 How to Wear Properly...... 20 Seat. Manual Front ...... 12 Reporting Safety Defects Lap-Shoulder Belt ...... 21 Seatback. Rear Folding ...... 13 To General Motors ...... 299 Larger Children...... 42 Seatback. Reclining Front ...... 14 To the Canadian Government..... 299 Outside Positions...... 3 1 Seats ...... 12 To the United States Passenger Positions...... 3 1 Seats and Safety Belts...... 11 Government ...... 298 Questions People Ask ...... 19 Seats and Seat Controls...... 12 Restraint Systems. Checking Your... 44 Rear Seat Passengers...... 3 1 Securing a Child Restraint Restraint System. Supplemental...... 25 Reminder Light...... 20 In a Rear Outside Position ...... 36 Restraint. Where to Put the Child.... 35 Replacing after a Crash...... 45 In the Center Rear Seat Position.... 39 Restraints. Child ...... 35 Right Front Passenger Position ....40 In the Right Front Seat...... 40 Restraints. Head ...... 14 Seatsand ...... 11 Security Lock. Rear Door ...... SO Road Signs ...... 128 Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster..... 22 Service ...... 212 Color of ...... 128 Smaller Children and Babies...... 34 Service and AppearanceCare ...... 211 Shape of...... 129 They’re for Everyone ...... 15 Service Parts Identification Label... 258 Symbols on ...... 130 Use during Pregnancy...... 3 1 Why They Work ...... 16 Safety Chains (Trailer) ...... 175

w .. 6 Service Publications...... 30 1 Specifications. Capacities and ...... 263 Tilt Wheel...... 71 Service Work. Doing Your Own.... 212 Speedometer and Odometer...... 90 Tires ...... 242 Shift Speeds - Manual Transaxle ....63 Starting Your Engine...... 55 Balance ...... 247 Shifting into P (Park)...... 65 Steering ...... 143 Chains ...... 248 Shifting out of P (Park)...... 67 Fluid. Power ...... 23 1 Changing a Flat...... 200 Shoulder Belt Adjuster In Emergencies ...... 145 Compact Spare ...... 207 (Safety Belt)...... 22 Power ...... 143 Inflation Pressure ...... 243 Sidemarker Light Bulb Replacement. Tips ...... 143 Inspection ...... 244 Front ...... 238 Wheel. Tilt ...... 71 Loading ...... 240 Rear ...... 240 Stoplight Bulb Replacement. Center New ...... 245 Skidding ...... 148 High-Mounted ...... 238 Rotation...... 244 Smaller Children and Babies Storage and Compartments ...... 84 Temperature Grades...... 246 (Safety Belts)...... 34 Sun Visors ...... 85 Traction Grades...... 246 Snow or Ice. Driving on...... 168 Sunroof ...... 83 Treadwear ...... 245 Snow, If You’re Stuck in Deep..... 171 Supplemental Restraint System Uniform Quality Grading...... 245 Spare. Compact ...... 207 (Air Bag) ...... 25 Tone. Setting the Speakers. Adjusting the AM/FM Stereo...... 108 AM/FM Stereo ...... 108 Tachometer ...... 91 AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Tail/Stop/Turn Signal Light and Compact Disc Player ...... 117 and Compact Disc Player...... 117 Bulb Replacement...... 239 AM/FM Stereo with Cassette AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Theft ...... 53 Tape Player ...... 110 Tape Player ...... 110 Theft-Deterrent Feature Top Strap (Child Restraint)...... 36 AM/FM Stereowith Cassette Tape Towing aTrailer ...... 171 and Compact Disc Player ...... 12 1 Towing Hook-Ups. Front...... 190 AM/FM Stereowith Cassette Towing Hook-Ups. Rear ...... 191 Tape Player ...... 1 14 Thermostat ...... 23 1 Index Towing Your Vehicle...... 188 Transaxle Fluid. Automatic...... 224 Ventilation ...... 102 Traffic Lights ...... 130 Transaxle Fluid. Manual...... 227 Ventilation System. Traffic Officer ...... 132 Transaxle. Automatic...... 58 Flow-Through ...... 104 Trailer Transaxle. Five-Speed Manual ...... 62 Ventilation Tips ...... 105 Backing Up with a...... 177 Trip Odometer ...... 91 Visor Vanity Mirrors ...... 86 Brakes ...... 176 Trunk Lock Release...... 52 Visors. Sun ...... 85 Driving on Grades witha ...... 178 Turn Signal and Lane Change Driving with a ...... 176 Indicator ...... 72 Warning Flashers. Hazard ...... -181 Following Distance...... 177 Turn SignaULights Control/ Warning Light. Door ...... 98 Hitches ...... 175 Headlight Beam Lever...... 7 1 Warning Lights. Gages If You Do Decide to Pulla ...... 172 Turn Signal Light Bulb and Indicators ...... 92 Making Turnswith a ...... 177 Replacement. Front...... 237 Washer Fluid. Windshield...... 232 Parking on Hills with a...... 178 Washers (Windshield) ...... 76 Passing with a ...... 177 Underbody Maintenance ...... 256 Washing Your Vehicle...... 254 Safety Chains ...... 175 Used Oil. Whatto do with ...... 223 Weatherstrips ...... 255 Tongue. Weightof the ...... 174 Weight Towing a ...... 17 1 Khicle Total on Your Vehicle’s Tires.... 174 Towing. Maintenance When .....179 Control of a ...... 137 Trailer ...... 173 Turn Signals When Towing ..... a 177 Damage Warnings...... 6 Trailer Tongue ...... 174 Weight of the ...... 173 Dimensions ...... 265 When You Are Ready to Leave Identification Number...... 258

After Parkingon a Hill ...... ~ 179 Loading ...... 240 Storage...... 235 Symbols ...... 7

.. -1 8 Wheel Alignment ...... 247 Cleaning Aluminum ...... 255 Nut Torque ...... 205 Replacement ...... 247 Used Replacement ...... 248 Windshield Cleaning ...... 254 Washers ...... 76 Washer Fluid...... 232 WipedWasher Lever ...... 75 Windows...... 70 Defogging and Defrosting ...... 102 Manual ...... 70 Power ...... 70 Winter Driving ...... 167

319.. Service Station Information Battery 1 Hood Release The Delco Freedom@ See Page 217 battery needs nowater. See Page235 Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir See Page 232 Engine Oil Fill Cap See Page 220 Cooling System Reservoir / Engine OilDipstick Check and add coolant only See Page 220 at the coolant recoverybottle. The fluid shouldbe between the FULL and LOW marks. See Page228

Capacity 13.2 U.S. Gal. (50L). Use unleaded gasonly, 87 octane or higher. See Page2 13 Cold Tire Pressure Spare Tire Pressure See Tire-Loading Compact Spare: 60 psi (420 kPa). Information Label See Page 207 on the glove box door. See Page 240

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