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.
. . .I68
~
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
Four- Wheel Drive
Most
lubricant checks in this section also
apply to four-wheel-drive vehicles.
However, they have
two additional
systems that need lubricatiog.
Transfer Case
When to Check qnd Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine how often to check the
lubricant and when to change
it. See
“Scheduled Maintenance Services”
in the
Index.
How to Check Lubricant
If the level is below the bottom of the
filler plug hole, you’ll need to add some
lubricant. Add enough lubricant to raise
the level to the bottom of the filler plug
hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine what kind of lybricant to use.
See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants”
in the Index.
Front Axle
When
to Check and Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to a
determine how often to check the
lubricant and when to change it. See
“Periodic Maintenance Inspections” and
“Scheduled Maintenance Services”
in the
Index.
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
-20°F (-29”C), or -34°F (-37°C)
in
Canada and for vehicles with the cold
climate option.
Give boiling protection up to 258°F
(125°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine
temperature.
Let the warning lights work as they
should.
What to Use:
Use a mixture of one-half clean water
(preferably distilled) and one-half
antifreeze that meets “GM Specification
6038-M,” which won’t damage aluminum
parts.
You can also use a recycled coolant
conforming to
“GM Specification
6038-M”
with a complete coolant flush
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and refill. If you use this mixture. you
don't need to add anything else.
A CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your
cooling system can
be dangerous.
Plain water, or some other
liquid like
alcohol, can
boil before the proper
coolant mix will. Your vehicle's
cool-
ant 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 antifreeze.
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mix,
your engine could overheat and be
badly damaged. The repair cost
wouldn't be covered by your war-
ranty.
Too much water in the mix can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator,
heater core and other parts. Some conditions, such
as air
trapped in
the cooling system, can af't'ect 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 Inore than four
times
a year. have your dealer check your
cooling system.
NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant. you
don't have to add extra inhibitors
or
additives which claim to improve thc
system. These can
be harmful.
%-Valve Engine
Adding Coolant
To Check Coolant: When your engine is
cold.
the coolant level should be at
"LOW," or a little higher. When your
engine
is warm. the level should be up to
"FULL." or a little higher.
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correct a leak. If you add fluid when your
linings are worn, then you’ll have too
much fluid when you get new brake
linings. You should add (or remove)
brake fluid, as necessary, only when work
is done on the brake hydraulic system.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedple to
determine when to check
yoqr drake
fluid. See “Periodic Maintenance
Inspections” in the Index.
To Check Brake Fluid:
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 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 11s (GM Part
No. 1052535).
Use new brake fluid from a sealed container
only, and always clean the brakl
fluid reservoir cap before removing it.
NOTICE:
Don’t let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid. For example,
just a few drops of mineral-based
oil, such as engine oil, in your
brake system can damage brake system parts
so badly that they’ll
have to be replaced.
Brake fluid can damage paint, so
be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If
you do, wash it
off immediately. See “Appearance
Care” in the Index.
Brake Wear
Your Geo has front disc brakes and rear
drum brakes.
Disc brake pads have 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 be heard all
the time your vehicle is moving (except
when you are pushing on the brake pedal
firmly).
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Capacities (Approximate)
The following approximate capacities are given in U.S. and metric conversions.
Air Conditioning”
............. See the refrigerant information label under hood.
Automatic Transmission Drain and Refill
....................................... 3.0 qt. (2.8 L)**
Overhaul ............................................. 5.4 qt. (5.1 L)
Automatic Transmission ................................ 5.5 qt. (5.2 L)
Manual Transmission ................................... 5.6 qt. (5.3 L)
With Filter Change ..................................... 4.5 qt. (4.2 L)*
Without Filter Change .................................. 4.2 qt. (4.0 L)
Front Differential ........................................ 1.1 qt. (1 .O L)
Fuel Tank ............................................. 11.1 gal. (42 L)
Manual Transmission
Cooling System
Crankcase
Four-wheel Drive
.................................... 1.6 qt. ( 1.5 L) **
Two-Wheel Drive ..................................... 1.8 qt. (1.7 L) **
Rear Differential ........................................ 2.3 qt. (2.2 L)
Transfer Case ........................................... 1.8 qt. ( 1.7 L)
T Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same. If the air conditioning system
in your vehicle needs refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant is used. If you’re
not sure, ask your Geo dealer.
* 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 Transmission Fluid” or “Manual
Transmission Fluid”
in the Index.
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.
IMPORTANT:
KEEP THE ENGINE OIL
AT THE PROPER
LEVEL AND CHANGE AS
RECOMMENDED
This part covers the
maintenance required
for your
Geo . Your vehicle needs these
services to retain its safety.
dependability and emission
control performance
.
Maintenance Schec
Section
Introduction: A Word about Maintenance ........................
A .
B .
C .
D .
E .
Your Vehicle and the Environment .........................
How This Part Is Organized ............................
Scheduled Maintenance Services ........................
Using Your Maintenance Schedule .......................
Selecting the Right Schedule ............................
Schedule1 .......
Schedule11 ............................................
Owner Checks and Services .........
At Each Fuel Fill .......
At Least Once a Month .................. .......
At Least Twice a Year .........
AtLeastOnceaYear ..................................
Periodic Maintenance Inspections ...........................
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ........................
MaintenanceRecord ......................................
................................
Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Services ..............
....................
.........................
...................
ule
Protection
Plan
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements
your new car warranties .
See your GM dealer for details .
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204
204
205
205
205
206
210
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218
218 219
219 220
223
225
228
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Maintenance Schedule
Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services (Cont.)
&planation of Scheduled
Maintenance Services
?allowing are explanations of the services
isted in Schedule
I and Schedule II.
he proper fluids and lubricants to use are
.isted
in Section D. Make sure whoever
rervices your vehicle uses these. All parts
should be replaced and all necessary
repairs done before you or anyone else
~ives the vehicle.
NOTE: To determine your engine’s
displacement and code, see
“Engine Identification” in the
Index.
ITEM
NO. SERVICE
1 -e Oil and Filter Change* -
Always use SH or SG Energy
Conserving
II oils of proper
viscosity. The
“SH” or “SG”
designation may be shown
alone, or in combination with
others, such as “SHKD,”
“SH,
SG, CD,” “SG/CD,” etc.
* An Emission Control Service.
ITEM
NO. SERVICE
2
3
4
To determine the preferred
viscosity for your vehicle’s
engine (e.g.,
SAE 5W-30 or SAE
10W-30), see “Engine Oil” in
the Index.
Tire Wheel Rotation and
Jnspectioq
- For proper wear and
maximum tire life, rotate your
tires following the instructions
in this manual. See
“Ties,
Inspection and Rotation’’ in the
Index. Check the tires for
uneven wear or damage.
If you
see irregular or premature wear,
check the wheel alignment.
Check for damaged wheels also.
Fan (Water Pump) Drive Belt
Servk
- Inspect and adjust if
necessary at
30,000 mile
(50 000 km), or 30 month
intervals. Replace the belt at
60,000 miles (100 000 km) and
120,000 miles (200 000 km).
-shaft Timin? Belt
Replacemeat”
- Replace every
60,000 miles (100 000 km) and
ITEM NO.
SERVICE
then inspect after 30,000 miles
(50 000 km).
Drain, flush and refill the system
with new or approved recycled
coolant conforming to
GM
Specification 182SM. Keep
coolant at the proper mixture
as
specified. See “Coolant” in the
Index. This provides proper
freeze and boil protection,
corrosion inhibitor level and
maintains proper engine
operating temperature.
Inspect hoses and replace
if
they are cracked, swollen or
deteriorated. Tighten screw-type
hose clamps. Clean the outside
of the radiator and air
conditioning condenser. Wash
the pressure cap and neck.
To help ensure proper operation,
we recommend a pressure test
of
both the cooling system and the
nressure cap.
5 Coolin? Sys&nSemice* -
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