Problems on the Road
Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage
on your Geo instrument panel.
If Steam Is Coming from Your Engine:
NOTICE:
If your engine catches fire because
you keep driving with no coolant,
your vehicle can be badly damaged.
The costly repairs would not be cov-
ered by your warranty.
If No Steam Is Coming from Your
Engine:
If you get the overheat warning but see or
hear no steam, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine can get
a little too hot when you:
0 Climb a long hill on a hot day.
0 Stop after high speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer.
If you get the overheat warning with no
sign of steam, try this
for a minute or so:
1.
If you have an air conditioner, turn it
off.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the
highest fan speed and open the
window as necessary.
(Neutral).
3. If you’re in a traffic jam, shift to “N”
. . .140
ProCarManuals.com
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
167.,
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“Section C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections” explains important inspections that your Geo dealer’s service
department or another qualified service
center should perform.
“Section
D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” lists some products GM
recommends to help keep your vehicle
properly maintained. These products, or
their equivalents, should be used whether
you do the work yourself or have it done.
“Section
E: Maintenance Record”
provides a place for you to record the
maintenance performed on your vehicle.
Whenever any maintenance is performed,
be sure to write it down in this section.
This will help you determine when your
next maintenance should be done.
In
addition, it is a good idea to keep your
maintenance receipts. They may be
needed to qualify your vehicle for
warranty repairs.
Section A: Scheduled
Maintenance Services
Using Your Maintenance
Schedules
This section tells you the maintenance
services you should have done and when
you should schedule them. Your Geo
dealer knows your vehicle best and wants
you to be happy with
it. If you go to your
dealer for your service needs, you’ll knoN
that GM-trained and supported service
people will perform the work using
genuine GM parts.
These schedules are for vehicles that:
carry passengers and cargo within
recommended limits. You will find
these limits on your vehicle’s
Tire-Loading Information label. See
“Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index.
are driven on reasonable road surfaces
within legal driving limits.
use the recommended unleaded fuel.
See “Fuel” in the Index.
I
Selecting the Right Schedule
First you’ll need to decide which of the
two schedules is right for your vehicle.
Here’s how to decide which schedule to
follow:
Schedule
I
Is any one of these true for your vehicle?
Most trips are less than 4 miles (6 km).
Most trips are less than 10 miles
(1
6 km) when outside temperatures are
below freezing.
The engine is at low speed most of the
time (as in door-to-door delivery, or in
stop-and-go traffic).
You operate your vehicle in dusty
areas or off-road frequently.
D You tow a trailer.
[f any one (or more) of these is true for
your driving, follow Schedule I.
Schedule
I1
Follow Schedule I1 on& if none of the
lbove conditions
is true.
205. . .
ProCarManuals.com
Maintenance Schedule
Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services (Cont.)
Schedule l
Follow Schedule I if your vehicle is
MAINLY driven under one or more of
the following conditions:
e
a
a
a
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 include extended
idling and/or frequent low-speed
operation, as in stop-and-go traffic.
When towing
a trailer.
When operating in dusty areas or
off-road frequently.
Schedule
I should also be followed if the
taxi or other commercial applications.
* 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
nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability prior
to the
completion
of vehicle useful lfc. General
Morors, howeve); urges that all recommended
maintenance services be performed at the
indicated intervals and the maintenance
be
recorded in “Section E: Maintenance Record.”
9%
. . .206
ITEM NO.
-
1
2
3
-
4
5
6
7
-
-
-
8
-
9
10
11
-
-
7
12
13
WHAT TO SERVICE
See “E,xplanation of Scheduled
Maintenance Services” following
Schedules
I und 11.
Engine OTI and Filter Change*
Tire and Wheel Rotation and Inspection
Fan (Water Pump) Drive Belt Service
Camshaft Timing Belt Replacement*
Cooling System Service”
Wheel Bearine Insuection
Transmission
(All) and Transfer Case
Differential (Four-wheel Drive) Service
Propeller Shafts and
U-Joints Inspection
Freewheeling Hubs Inspection
(if equipped)
Spark Plug Replacement*
Spark Plug Wire Replacement”
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve
Reulacement*
Exhaust Gas Recirculation
(EGR) System
Inspection*
WHEN TO PERFORM
Miles (kilomerers) or Months
(whichever occursfirst).
Every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months.
Every
6,000 miles (10 000 km).
See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services” following Schedules
I and 11.
At 60,000 miles (100 000 km).
See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services” following Schedules
I and 11.
Every 30,000 miles (50 000 krn) or 30 months.
Every 15,000 miles
(25 000 km) or 15 rnonlhs.
See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services” following Schedules
I and 11.
See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services” following Schedules
I and 11.
Every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months.
Every 30,000 miles (50
000 km).
Every
60,000 miles (100 000 km) or 60 months.
Every 50.000 miles
(X3 000 km).
Every 50,000 miles (83 000 km).
ProCarManuals.com
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.
’’
215 ...
ProCarManuals.com
A bout Driving Your Tracker ..... 3
ABS ......................... 103
Adding Coolant ................ 171
Additives. Engine
Oil ............ 165
Adjustment. Clutch
............. 169
Air Cleaner .................... 165
Air Conditioner Controls
......... 85
Air Filter Replacement
........... 166
Air Intake Lever ................ 84
Airflow Lever
.................. 84
Alignment and Tire Balance
.
Wheel ...................... 187
Aluminum Wheels
.............. 193
AM/FM Stereo
................ 88
With Cassette Tape and Compact
Disc Player
................ 93
With Cassette Tape Player ...... 89
Antenna
...................... 98
Anti-Lock Brakes
.............. 103
To Use ..................... 103
Appearance Care ............... I89
Appearance Care and Materials
.... 195
Appearance Care. Service and
..... 155
Approaching
a Hill .............. 1 10
Ashtrays and Lighter ............ 62
Ashtray. Front
................. 63
Ashtray. Rear .................. 63
Assist Grips. Passenger .......... 62
Add-on
Electrical Equipment
..... 196
Adjustable Steering Column
...... 53
Audio Systems ................. 87
Audio Systems. Comfort
Controls and
................. 83
Automatic
Freewheeling Hubs
........... 47
Transmission
................ 42
Transmission Fluid ............ 167
Axle. Front
.................... 170
Axle
. Rear .................... 169
Babies. Smaller Children
and (Safety Belts)
............. 26
Balance. Wheel Alignment
and Tire
.................... 187
Battery
....................... 176
BBB Auto Line
- Alternative Dispute
Resolution Program. GM
Participation
in ............. 235
Before Leaving
on a Long Trip .... 120
Belt. Lap-Shoulder .............. 20
Bi-Level ...................... 84
Bin. Coinholder and ............. 61
Bins. Instrument Panel ........... 61
Blizzard. If You’re Caught in a ... 124
Box. Glove
.................... 60
Brakes
Adjustment
.................. 176
Anti-Lock (ABS)
............. 103
Fluid ....................... 1 74
Master Cylinder
.......... 174
Parking
......... 48 Brakes
Pedal Travel
................. i76
System Parts. Replacing ........ 176
System Warning Light
......... 69
Trailer ...................... i27
Wear ...................... 175
Braking (Control of
a Vehicle) ..... 102
Braking
in Emergencies .......... 104
“Break.In. .. New Vehicle ........ 39
Bright Metal Parts. Protecting
Exterior
.................... 192
Brightness Control
.............. 57
Bulb Replacement .............. 177
Stoplight .................. 181
Headlights .................. 177
Rear Combination
............ 180
Rear Sidemarker
.............. 179
Sidemarker ......... . .179
Bulbs. Halogen
............... 177
Bulbs. Replacement
............. 199
Canadian Roadside Assistance ... 237
Canvas Top
Preparing for Storage
.......... 80
Special Care for
.............. 193
Capacities and Specifications
...... 200
Carbon Monoxide .............. 51
Center High-Mounted
Front Parking and Turn Signal
... 178
Removing and Installing Your
... 76
243 ...
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Customer Assistance for the Hearing
Customer Assistance Information
. . 233
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
... 234
or Speech Impaired (TDD)
..... 234
Damage. Finish
............... 194
Damage. Sheet Metal
............ 193
Daytime Running Lights
......... 56
Daytime Running Lights Indicator Light
....................... 72
Deep Standing Water.
Driving through
.............. 41
Defects. Safety
Reporting to General Motors
.... 236
Reporting to the Canadian
Reporting to the United States
Government
............... 236
Government
............... 236
Defensive Driving
.............. 100
Defogger. Rear Window ......... 86
Defogging and Defrosting
Windows
................... 85
Dehumidifying ................. 85
Dimensions. Vehicle ............ 202
Doing Your Own Service Work
.... 156
Dome Light ................... 57
Door Locks
.................... 37
Door Storage Compartments
...... 60
Downhill. Driving
.............. 1 12
Drive. Four-wheel
.............. 46
Drive. Four-wheel (Service)
...... 170 Driver Position
(Safety Belts)
... 20
Driving
Across an Incline
............. 11 3
At Night .................... 1 16
City
........................ 119
Defensive
................... 100
Downhill
................... 1 12
Drunken
.................... 100
Freeway
.................... 120
Guidelines
.................. 107
In Mud. Sand. Ice or Snow ..... 1 15
In the Rain .................. 117
In Water .................... 115
0ff.Road. With Your Geo Four-
Wheel-Drive Vehicle
........ 108
On Curves .................. 104
On Off-Road Hills
............ I10
On Snow or Ice
.............. 123
Through Deep Standing Water
... 41
Uphill
...................... 111
Winter
...................... 122
With a Trailer
................ 127
Your Tracker. About ........... 3
Drunken Driving
............... 100
Easy Entry Seats
.............. 12
Electrical Equipment. Add-on
..... 196
Emergencies. Braking in
......... 104
Emergencies. Steering in
......... 105 Engine
Coolant
..................... 170
Coolant (Block) Heater
........ 41
Coolant Temperature Gage
..... 70
Exhaust
..................... 51
Identification
................ 196
Oil
........................ 162
Oil Pressure Light
............ 71
Overheating
................. 140
Specifications
................ 200
Starting Your
................ 40
Environment. Your Vehicle
and the
..................... 204
Exhaust. Engine
................ 51
Extender. Safety Belt
....... 1 .... 33
Exterior Bright Metal Parts.
Protecting
................... 192
Fabric Protection
.............. 190
Fan Control Lever
.............. 84
Features and
Controls ........... 35
Filling Your Tank ............... 158
Filter. Air. Replacement
.......... 166
Finish Care (Paint)
.............. 192
Finish Damage (Paint)
........... 194
Flashers. Hazard Warning
........ 132
Flat Tire. Changing a
............ 146
Flat.
If a Tire Goes .............. 146
Flow-Through Ventilation System . . 86
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