1994 CHEVROLET TRACKER change time

Your Driving and the Road
0 Does the travel take you uphill or
downhill? (There’s more discussion of
these subjects later.)
change direction quickly?
0 Will you have to stop suddenly or
When you drive over obstacles or rough
terrain, keep a firm grip
on the steering
wheel.
Ruts, troughs, or other surface
features can jerk the wheel out of your
hands
if you’re not prepared.
When you drive over bumps, rocks, or
other obstacles, your wheels can leave
the
ground. If this happens, even with one or
two wheels, you can’t control the vehicle
as well or at all.
Because you will be on an unpaved
surface,
it’s especially important to avoid
sudden acceleration, sudden turns, or
sudden braking.
In a way, off-road driving requires a
different kind of alertness from driving on
paved roads and highways. There are no
road signs, posted speed limits or signal
lights.
You have to use your own good
judgment about what is safe and what
isn’t.
Drinking and driving can be very
dangerous on any road. And this
is
certainly true for off-road driving. At the
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very time you need special alertness and
driving skills, your reflexes, perceptions
and judgment can be affected by even a
small amount of alcohol.
You could have
a serious - or even fatal - accident if
you drink and drive or ride with a driver
who has been drinking. (See “Drunken
Driving”
in the Index.)
Driving On Off-Road Hills
Off-road driving often takes you up,
jown, or across a hill. Driving safely on
hills requires good judgment and an
understanding of what your vehicle can
md can’t do. There are some hills that
;imply can’t be driven, no matter how
well built the vehicle.
Approaching a Hill
When you approach a hill, you need to
decide if
it’s one of those hills that’s just
too steep to climb, descend, or cross.
Steepness can be hard
to judge. On a very
small
hill, for example, there may be a
smooth, constant incline with only a small
change
in elevation where you can easily
see all the way to the top. On a large hill,
the incline may get steeper as you near
the top, but you may not see this because
the crest of
the hill is hidden by bushes,
grass,
or shrubs.
Here are some other things
to consider as
you approach a hill.
Is there a constant incline, or does the
hill get sharply steeper in places?
Is there good traction on the hillside,
or will the surface cause tire slipping?
Is there a straight path up or down the
hill so you won’t have to make turning
maneuvers?
Are there obstructions on the hill that
can block your path (boulders, trees,
logs or ruts)?
What’s beyond the hill?
Is there a cliff,
an embankment, a drop-off, a fence?
Get out and walk the
hill if you don’t
know. It’s the smart way to find out.
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Towing a Trailer
NOTICE:
Pulling a trailer improperly can dam-
age your vehicle and result in costly
repairs not covered by your warranty,
To pull a trailer correctly, follow the
advice in this section, and see your
Geo dealer for important information
about towing a trailer with your
vehicle. Your
vehicle can tow a trailer. To identify
what the vehicle trailering capacity
is for
your vehicle,
you should read the
information in “Weight
of the Trailer” that
appears later in this section.
But trailering
is different than just driving your vehicle
by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, durability, and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes correct
equipment, and it has to be used properly.
That’s the reason for this section.
In it are
many time-tested, important trailering
tips and safety rules. Many of these are
important for your safety and that of your
passengers.
So please read this section
carefully before you pull a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the
engine, transmission, wheel assemblies,
and tires are forced to work harder against
the drag of the added weight. The engine
is required to operate at relatively higher
speeds and under greater loads,
generating extra heat. What’s more, the
trailer adds considerably to wind
resistance, increasing the pulling
requirements.
If You Do Decide to Pull a Trailer
If you do, here are some important points.
There are many different laws having
to do with trailering. Make sure your
rig will be legal, not only where you
live but also where you’ll be driving.
A good source for this information
can be state or provincial police.
Consider using a sway control. You
can ask a hitch dealer about sway
controls.
Don’t tow a trailer at all during the
first
500 miles (800 km) your new
vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or
other parts could be damaged.
Then, during the first
500 miles (800
km) that you tow a trailer, don’t drive
over
50 mph (80 km/h) and don’t
make starts at
full throttle. This helps
your engine and other parts
of your
vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.
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Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your Geo
dealer is ready to advise
if you think
something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil
See if any one of these is true for you:
Most trips are less than 4 miles (6 km).
It’s below freezing outside and most
trips are less than 10 miles (1 6 km).
The engine is at low speed most of the
time (as
in door-to-door delivery, or
stop-and-go traffic).
You tow a trailer often.
Most trips are through dusty places.
The vehicle is frequently operated
If any one of these is true for your
vehicle, then you need to change your
and filter every
3,000 miles (5 000 km) or
3 months - whichever comes first.
If none of them is true, change oil and
filter every
7,500 miles (1 2 500 km) or
7.5 months - whichever comes first.
off-road.
Engine
Coolant Heater (Engine Block
Heater)
An engine coolant heater can be a big
help
if you have to park outside in very
cold weather,
0°F (-I 8°C) or colder. If
your vehicle has this option, see “Engine
Coolant Heater”
in the Index.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil
contains elements that may be unhealthy
for your skin and could even cause
cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your
skin for very long. Clean your skin and
nails
with soap and water, or a good hand
cleaner. Wash or properly throw away
clothing or rags containing used engine
oil. (See the manufacturer’s warnings
about
the use and disposal of oil products.)
Used oil can
be a real threat to the
environment.
If you change your own oil,
be sure
to drain all free-tlowing oil from
the filter before disposal. Don’t ever
dispose of oil by putting
it in the trash,
pouring
it on the ground, into sewers, or
into streams or bodies
of water. Instead.
recycle
it by taking it to a place that
collects used
oil. If you have a problem
properly disposing.
of your used oil, ask
your dealer,
a service station or a local
recycling center for help.
Air Cleaner
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
detertnine when to replace the
air filter.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services“
ir
the Index.
A CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner off can cause you or others to
be burned. The air cleaner not only.
cleans the air,
it stops flame if the
engine backfires.
If it isn’t there, and
the engine backfires, you could be
burned. Don’t drive with it
off, and
be careful working
on the engine
with the
air cleaner off.
165.
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I A utomatic Transmission FIuid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic
transmission fluid level
is when the
engine
oil is changed. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to change your 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 your Geo dealership Service
Department.
If you do
it yourself, be sure to follow all
the instructions here, or you could get a
false reading on the dipstick.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little tluid can
damage your transmission.
Too much
can mean that some of the fluid could
come out and fall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system parts, starting
a fire.
Be sure to get an accurate reading
if
you check your transmission tluid. Wait
at least 30 minutes before checking
the transmission fluid level
if you have
been driving:
0 When outside temperatures are above
0 At high speed for quite a while.
0 In heavy traffic - especially in hot
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should
be at normal operating temperature,
which is 180°F to 200°F
(82°C to 93°C).
To check transmission fluid hot: Get the
vehicle warmed
up by driving about IS
miles (24 km) when outside temperatures
are above 50°F
( 10°C). If it’s colder than
50°F (IOOC), drive the vehicle in “D”
(Third Gear) until the engine temperature
gage moves
and then remains steady for
ten minutes. Then follow the hot check
procedures.
To check transmission fluid cold: A cold
check is made after the vehicle has been
sitting for eight hours or more
with the
engine off
and is used only as a reference.
Let
the engine run at idle for five minutes
if outside temperatures are 50°F (10°C)
or more. If it’s colder than 50°F (IO’C),
you
may have to idle the engine longer.
90°F (32°C).
weather. Should
the
fluid level be low during a
cold check, you must perform a hot check
before adding fluid. This will give you a
more accurate reading
of the fluid level.
To check the fluid hot or cold
0 Park your vehicle on a level place.
0 With the parking brake applied, place
0 With your foot on the brake pedal,
Keep the
engine running.
the shift lever
in “P’ (Park).
move the shift lever through each gear
range, pausing for about three seconds
in each range. Then, position the shift
lever
in “P” (Park).
minutes or more.
0 Let the engine run at idle for three
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Service and Appearance Care
Then, without shutting off the engine,
follow these steps:
1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a
clean rag or paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three
seconds and then pull it back out
again.
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~
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and
read the lower level. The fluid level
must be in the “COLD’ area for a
cold check or
in the “HOT” area or
cross-hatched area for a hot check.
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable
range, push the dipstick back
in all
the way.
How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine what kind of transmission fluid
to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants”
in the Index.
[f the fluid level is low, add only enough
of the proper fluid to bring the level up to
the “COLD” area for a cold check or the
“HOT” area for a hot check. It doesn’t take
much fluid, generally less than a
pint.
Don’t overfill. We recommend you use
only fluid labeled DEXRON@-III
or
DEXRON@-IIE, because fluids with that
label are made especially for
your
automatic transmission. Dama e caused
by fluid other than DEXRON
8 -m or
DEXRON@-IIE is not covered by your
new vehicle warranty.
0 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 Transmission 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 determine 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 your Geo dealership Service
Department.
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~ Service and Appearance Care
r
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive
with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may
cause a brake squeal when the brakes are
first applied or lightly applied. This does
not mean something is wrong with your
brakes.
Your rear drum brakes don’t have wear
indicators, but if you ever hear a rear
brake rubbing noise, have the rear brake linings inspected. Also, the rear brake
drums should be removed and inspected
each time the tires are removed for
rotation or changing. When you have the front brakes replaced, have
the rear
brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced
as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does
not return to normal height, or if there is a
rapid increase in pedal travel. This could
be a sign
of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a brake stop, your
disc brakes adjust for wear.
If your brake pedal goes down farther
than normal, your rear drum brakes may
need adjustment. Adjust them by backing
up and firmly applying the brakes a few
times.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a modern vehicle
is complex. Its many parts have to be of
top quality and work well together
if the
vehicle is
to have really good braking.
Vehicles we design and test have
top-quality GM brake parts in them, as
your Geo does when it is new. When you replace parts
of your braking system -
for example,
when your brake linings
wear down and you have to have new
ones put in
- be sure you get new
genuine
GM replacement parts. If you
don’t, your brakes may no longer work
properly. For example, if someone puts in
brake linings that are wrong for your
vehicle, the balance between your front
and rear brakes can change, for the worse.
The braking performance you’ve come to
expect can change in many other ways if
someone puts in the wrong replacement
brake parts.
Battery
Every new Geo has a Delco Freedoms
battery.
You never have to add water to
one
of these. When it’s time for a new
battery, we recommend a Delco
Freedoma battery. Get one that has the
catalog number shown on the original
battery’s label.
Vehicle Storage
If you’re not going to drive your vehicle
for
25 days or more, take off the black,
negative
(-) cable from the battery. This
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I 4
’ire Inspection and Rotation
’0 make your tires last longer, have them
nspected and rotated at the mileages
ecommended
in the Maintenance
Ichedule. See “Scheduled Maintenance
lervices”
in the Index.
Jse this rotation pattern.
F your spare wheel does not match your
lther wheels, you may want to use this
lattern.
f your vehicle has front tires with
ifferent load ratings or tread designs
such as all season vs.
odoff road) than
he rear tires, don’t rotate your tires front
3 rear.
ifter the tires have been rotated, adjust
he front and rear intlation pressure as
hown on the Certificationflire label.
dake certain that all wheel nuts are
lroperly tightened. See “Wheel Nut
’orque”
in the Index.
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
pas to which it is fastened, can
make wheel nuts become loose &er
a time. The wheel
could come off and
cause
an accident. When you change
a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to
the vehicle. In an emergency, you
can use a cloth or a paper towel to
do this; but be sure to use a scraper
or wire brush later, if you need to,
to get all the rust or dirt off. (See
“Changing
a Rat Tire” in the Index.)
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ITEM
NO. SERVICE
6 Wheel Bearin? InsDection -
Inspect for wear and proper
adjustment. Relubricate the
bearings if grease is
contaminated.
7 Transmission (All) and
Transfer Case Differential
(Four-wheel Drive) Service
-
For the manual transmission and
transfer case differential, check
the fluid level every time the
oil is changed. See “Manual
Transmission Fluid” and
“Transfer Case” in the Index.
Inspect for damage and leaks
and change the fluid every
15,000 miles
(25 000 km) or
15 months for Schedule
I
conditions and every 30,000
miles (50 000 km) or 30 months
for Schedule
II conditions.
For the automatic transmission,
check the fluid level every time
the oil is changed. See
“Automatic Transmission
Fluid” in the Index. Inspect for
damage and leaks and change
ITEM
NO. SERVICE
8
9
the fluid every 15,000 miles
(25 0o0 km) or 15 months for
Schedule
I conditions and
100,000 miles ( 166 000 km) for
Schedule
I1 conditions. Replace
the automatic transmission cooler hoses every
45,000 miles
(75 000 km).
Propeller Shafts and U-Joints
Inspection
- Inspect for
looseness and damage.
Do this
every,.l5 months, or at 15,000
mile
(25 000 km) intervals, more
frequently if used off-road
or for
pulling a trailer. Tighten U-joint
flange bolts if necessary.
Freewheeling Hubs InsDection
/If Equipped) - Inspect the
locking front hubs for correct
operation. Repair or replace if
necessary. (Both hubs must
operate correctly for the front
axle to power the front wheels.)
ITEM
NO. SERVICE
10
11
Spark Plug Replacement” -
Replace spark plugs with the
proper type. See “Replacement Pans” in the Index.
Spark Plup Wire Replacement”
-
Replace wires. Check the boot fit
at the distributor and
at the spark
plugs. Operation in extreme cold
and/or on salted roads may require
more frequent replacement.
* An Emission Control Service.
t The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
or the California Air Resources Board has
determined that the failure to perform this
maintenance item will not null@ the emission
warranty
or limit recall liability prior to the
completion
of vehicle useful life. General
Motors, however, urges that all recommended
maintenance services be pegormed at the
indicated intervals and the maintenance be
recorded
in “Section E: Maintenance
Record.
’’
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