Page 239 of 339

After adding fluid, recheck the fluid
level as described under “How to
Check.
”
obtained, push the dipstick back in all
the way.
When the correct fluid level is
Manual Transmiisioon Fluid
When to Check and Change:
A good time to have it checked is when
the engine oil is changed. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule to find out
when
to change your transmission fluid. See
‘ ‘Scheduled Maintenance Services’ ’ in
the Index.
How to Check:
Because this operation can be a little
difficult, you may choose to have this
done at a Geo dealership Service
Department.
If you do
it yourself, be sure to follow
all the instructions here, or you could
get
a false reading.
90 much or too little fluid can
...anage your transmission.
Too
much can mean that some of the
fluid could come
out and fall on I
hot engine parts, starting a fire.
I sure to get an accurate reading if
you check your transmission fluid.
I
Check the fluid level only when your
engine is off, the vehicle is parked on a
level place and the transmission
is cool
enough
for you to rest your fingers on
the transmission case.
237 8
ProCarManuals.com
Page 242 of 339

Service & Appearance Care
How to Check Lubricant:
If the level is below the bottom of the
filler plug hole, you’ll need to add some
lubricant.
If the differential is at operating
temperature (warm), add enough
lubricant to raise the level to the bottom
of the filler plug hole.
If the differential
is cold, add enough
lubricant to raise the level to
1/2 inch
(12 mm) below the filler plug hole.
What to Use:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine what kind of lubricant to use.
See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in the Index.
Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling
system and how to add coolant when it
is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see “Engine
Overheating” in the Index.
The proper coolant for your Geo will:
Give freezing protection down to
Give boiling protection up to 258°F
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine
Let the warning lights work as they
-34°F (-37°C).
(125°C).
temperature. should.
What to Use:
Use a mixture of one-half clean water
(preferably distilled) and one-half
antifreeze or approved recycled coolant
that meets “GM Specification 6038M,”
which won’t damage aluminum parts.
Also use GM Engine Coolant
Supplement (sealer) with a complete
coolant change. If you use these, you
don’t need to add anything else.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 243 of 339
r
Adding only plain water to
b your cooling system can be
dmgemus. Plaia water, or some
other liquid like alcohol, can boil
before the proper coolant mix will.
Your vehicle’s coolant warning
system is set for the proper coolant
mix, With plain water or the
wrong mix, your engine could get
too hot but you wouldn’t get the
overheat warning. Your engine
could catch fire and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mix
of clean water and a proper
antifreeve or approved recycled
coolant.
I
Some conditions, such as air trapped in
the cooling system, can affect the
coolant level in the radiator. Check the
coolant level when the engine is cold
and follow the steps under ‘‘Adding Coolant” for
the proper way to add
coolant. If you have to add coolant
more than
four time
a year, have your dealer check
your cooling system.
If
you use the proper coolant, you
don’t have to add extra inhibitors
or additivies which claim to
II
241
ProCarManuals.com
Page 244 of 339
Service & Appearance Care
Adding Coolant
To Check Coolant: When your engine
is cold, the coolant level should be
LOW, or a little higher. When your
engine is warm, the level should be up
to
FULL, or a little higher.
To Add Coolant: If you need more
coolant, add the proper mix
at the
coolant recovery tank.
r Turning the radiator pressure
radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out
and burn you badly. With the
coolant recovery tank, you will
almost never have to add coolant
at the radiator. Never turn the
radiator pressure cap
- even a
little
- when the engine and
radiator are hot.
cap
when the engine and Add
coolant
mix at the recovery tank,
but be careful not to spill
it.
, You can be burned if you
- L spill coolant on hot engine
parts. Coolant contains ethylene
glycol, and
it will burn if the
engine parts are hot enough. Don't
spill coolant on a hot engine.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 245 of 339
Radiator Pressure Cap
IVU I IIJt
Your radiator pressure cap is a 13
- i (90 kPa) pressure-type cap and
must be tightly installed to prevent
coolant
loss and possible engine
damage from overheating. Be sure
the arrows on the cap line up with
the overflow tube on the radiato
filler neck.
I
When you replace your radiator pressure
cap, an
AC* cap is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled
by a thermostat in the engine coolant
system. The thermostat stops the flow
of
coolant through the radiator until the
coolant reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, an
AC@ thermostat is recommended.
Power Steering Fluid
How to Check Power Steering Fluid:
Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick
with a clean rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove the
cap again and look at the fluid level on
the dipstick.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 248 of 339

Service & Appearance Care
CA U TlON
R
d
fl
I1
A If you have too much brake
L,,E;ine. The fluid will burn
if the
engine is hot enough.
You or
others could be burned, and your
vehicle could be damaged. Add
brake fluid only when work
is
done on the brake hydraulic
system.
L fluid, it can spill on the
Lefer to
the Maintenance Schedule to
etermine when to check your brake
hid. See ‘‘Periodic Maintenance
Ispections” in the Index.
’ To Check Brake Fluid:
1
You can check the brake fluid without
taking
off the cap. Just look at the
windows on the brake fluid reservoir.
The fluid levels should be above
MIN.
If they aren’t, have your brake system
checked to see
if there is a leak.
After work is done
on the the brake
hydraulic system make sure the levels
are above
MIN and below the top of
each window.
What to Add:
When you do need brake fluid, use
only DOT-3 brake fluid
- such as
Delco-Supreme
II@ (GM Part No.
I DOT-5 silicone brake fluid can
damage your llehicle. Don’t use
it.
I D0n.t so1 : put In tf
wrong mnd 01 kd. For
example, just a few drops
mineral-based oil,
such as
engine oil,
in your brake systt
can damage brake system part
so badly that they’ll have to b
replaced.
Brake fluid
I Ige paint,
be careful not to spill
fluid
on your vehicle
1052535). Use new brake fluid from a
sealed container only.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 274 of 339

Service & Appearance Care
= 9 272
I
rn Vehicle Identification
Number
This is the legal identifier for your Geo.
It appears
on a plate in the front corner
of the instrument panel, on the driver’s
side, You can see it
if you look through
the windshield from outside your
vehicle. The VIN also appears on the
Vehicle Certification and Service Parts
labels and the certificates
of title and
registration.
Engine Identification
The eighth character in your VIN is the
engine code for your
1993 GM engine.
This code will help you identify your
engine, specifications, and replacement
parts
in this section.
I Service Pads
Identification Lube1
You’ll find this label inside the glove
box on the door. It’s very helpful if you
ever need to order parts. On this label
is:
Your VIN.
Its model designation.
A list of all production options and
special equipment.
Be sure that this label is not removed
from the vehicle.
rn Add-on Electrical
Equipment
Don’t add anything electrical to
your Geo unless you check with
your dealer first. Some electrica
equipment can damage you
vehicle and the damage
woulan.1
be covered by your warranty.
Some of
;+ san just keep other
things frc
wnrkinp as thev
should.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 275 of 339
1
I Fuses and Circuit
Breakers
The wiring circuits in your car are
protected from short circuits
by fuses,
circuit breakers
or a thermal link in the
wiring itself. This greatly reduces
the
chance of fires caused by electrical
problems.
The main fuse
box in your engine
compartment
on the right side. It
protects all electrical loads. For
access to the main fuses, pull off
cover.
A spare fuse is also inside the
fuse box. Another fuse
box is under
the left side
of the instrument panel. The fuses here
protect each separate circuit including
headlights.
If you have electrical failure,
check here first.
ProCarManuals.com