upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly
from the norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
Traction - A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to
lowest are: A,
B, and C. They represent
the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement
as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked
C
may have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to
this tire is based on braking
(straight-ahead) traction tests and does
not include cornering (turning) traction.
Temperature - A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the
highest),
B, and C, representing the tire’s
resistance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified
indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade
C
corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on
the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
Warning: The temperature grade for this
tire is established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or
in
combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.
These grades are molded on the sidewalls
of passenger car tires.
While the tires available as standard or
optional equipment on General Motors
vehicles may vary with respect to these
grades, all such tires meet General Motors
performance standards and have been
approved for use on General Motors
vehicles. All passenger type
(P Metric)
tires must conform to Federal safety
requirements in addition to these grades.
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned
and balanced carefully at the factory to give
you the longest tire life and best
overall performance.
In most cases, you will not need to have
your wheels aligned again. However, if
you notice unusual tire wear or your
vehicle pulling one way or the other, the
alignment may need to be reset. If you
notice your vehicle vibrating when
driving on a smooth road, your wheels
may need to be rebalanced.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked or
badly rusted. If wheel nuts keep coming
loose, the wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel
nuts should be replaced. If the wheel
leaks air, replace it (except some
aluminum wheels, which can sometimes
be repaired). See your Geo dealer if any
of these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of wheel
you need.
Each new wheel should have the same
load carrying capacity, diameter, width,
offset, and be mounted the same way as
the one it replaces.
187 ...
ProCarManuals.com
Service and Appearance Care
If you need to replace any of your wheels,
wheel bolts, or wheel nuts, replace them
only
with new GM original equipment
parts. This way, you
will be sure to have
the right wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel
nuts for your Geo model.
NOTICE:
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems
with bearing life, brake
cooling, speedometer/odometer
calibration, headlight aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance,
and
tire or tire chain clearance to the
body and chassis.
Used Replacement Wheels
A CAUTION:
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle
is dangerous. You can’t know how
it’s been used or how many miles it’s
been driven. It could
fail suddenly
and cause an accident.
If you have
to replace a wheel
use a new GM
original equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
NOTICE:
Use tire chains only where legal and
only when you must. Use only SAE
Class “S” type chains that are the
proper size for your tires. Install them
on the tires of the drive axle (four-
wheel drive vehicles can use chains
on both axles). Tighten them
as
tightly as possible with the ends
securely fastened. Drive slowly 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.
. . .188 ProCarManuals.com
Service and Appearance Care
Use a clean cloth or sponge, and
change to
a clean area often. A soft
brush
may be used if stains are
stubborn.
Use solvent-type cleaners
in a
well-ventilated area only. If you use
them, don’t saturate the stained area.
If a ring forms after spot cleaning,
clean the entire area immediately or
it
will set.
Using Foam-Type Cleaner on Fabric
Vacuum and brush the area to remove
any loose dirt.
Always clean a whole trim panel or
section. Mask surrounding trim along
stitch or welt lines.
Mix Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner
following the directions on the
container label.
Use suds only and apply with a clean
sponge.
Don’t saturate the material.
Don’t rub
it roughly.
As soon as you’ve cleaned the section,
use a sponge to remove the suds.
Rinse the section
with a clean, wet
sponge.
Wipe off what’s left with a slightly
0 Then dry it immediately with a blow
damp
paper towel or cloth.
dryer or
a heat lamp.
I NOTICE:
I
Be careful with a hair dryer or heat
lamp. You could scorch the fabric.
Wipe with a clean cloth.
Using Solvent-Type Cleaner an Fabric
First, see if you have to use solvent-type
cleaner at all. Some spots and stains
will
clean off better with just water and mild
soap.
If you need to use a solvent:
0 Gently scrape excess soil from the
trim material with a clean, dull knife
or scraper. Use very
little cleaner, light
pressure and clean cloths (preferably
cheesecloth). Cleaning should start
at
the outside of the stain, “feathering”
toward the center. Keep changing
to a
clean section of the cloth.
0 When you clean a stain from fabric,
immediately dry the area
with an air
hose, hair dryer, or heat
lamp to help
prevent a cleaning ring.
(See the
previous
NOTICE.)
Fabric Protection
Your Geo has upholstery that has been
treated
with Scotchgard Fabric
Protector,
a 3M product. Scotchgard”
protects fabrics by repelling
oil and water,
which are the carriers of most
stains.
Even with this protection, you still need
to clean your upholstery often to keep
it
looking new.
Further information on cleaning
is
available by calling 1-800-433-3296
(in Minnesota, 1-800-642-6167).
Special Cleaning Problems
Greasy or
oily stains: Such as grease,
oil, butter, margarine, shoe polish, coffee
with cream, chewing gum, cosmetic
creams, vegetable oils, wax crayon, tar
and asphalt.
0 Carefully scrape off excess stain.
Follow the solvent-type instructions
described earlier.
. . .I90 ProCarManuals.com
Service and Appearance Care
Don’t use abrasive cleaners on glass,
because they may cause scratches. Avoid
placing decals on the inside rear window,
since they
may have to be scraped off
later.
If abrasive cleaners are used on the
inside
of the rear window, an electric
defogger element may be damaged.
Any
temporary license should not be attached
across
the defogger grid.
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield
and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using
the windshield washer, or
if the wiper
blade chatters when running, wax or other
material may be on the blade
or
windshield.
Clean
the outside of the windshield with
GM Windshield Cleaner, Bon-Ami
Powder@
(GM Part No. 105001 1). The
windshield is clean
if beads do not form
when you rinse
it with water.
Clean the blade by wiping vigorously
with a cloth soaked in full strength
windshield washer solvent. Then rinse
the
blade with water.
Wiper blades should be checked on a
regular basis and replaced when worn.
Cleaning the Outside of Your
Geo
The paint finish on your vehicle provides
beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and
durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehicle’s
finish is to keep
it clean by washing it
often with lukewarm or cold water.
Don’t wash your vehicle
in the direct rays
of the sun. Don’t use strong soaps or
chemical detergents. Use liquid hand,
dish or car washing (mild detergent)
soaps. Don’t use cleaning agents
that
are petroleum based, or contain acid or
abrasives. All cleaning agents should be
flushed promptly and not allowed to dry
on the surface, or they could stain. Dry
the finish
with a soft, clean chamois or a
100% cotton towel to avoid surface
scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause
water to enter your vehicle.
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of
your Geo may be necessary to remove
residue from the paint finish. You can get
GM approved cleaning products from your dealer.
(See “Appearance Care and
Materials”
in the Index.)
Your Geo has a “basecoat/clearcoat” pain
finish. The clearcoat gives more depth
and gloss to the colored basecoat. Always
use waxes and polishes that are
non-abrasive and made for a
basecoatfclearcoat paint
finish.
NOTICE:
Machine compounding or aggressive
polishing on a basecoatfclearcoat
paint finish may dull the finish or
leave swirl marks.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Parts
Bright metal parts should be cleaned
regularly to keep their luster. Washing
with water is all that is usually needed.
However, you may use GM Chrome
Polish
on chrome or stainless steel trim,
if necessary.
Use special care
with aluminum trim. To
avoid damaging protective
trim, never
use auto or chrome polish, steam or
caustic soap to clean
aluminum. A
coating of wax, rubbed to high polish, is
recommended for
all. bright metal parts.
. . .I92
ProCarManuals.com
Service and Appearance Care
Foreign Material
Calcium chloride and other salts, ice
melting agents, road oil and tar,
tree sap,
bad$ droppings, chemicals from industrial
chimneys, and other foreign matter can
damage your vehicle’s finish if they
remain on painted Surfaces. Use cldners
that
&e marked safe for painted surfaces
to remove foreign matter.
Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractui-es or deep
scratches in the finish should be repaired
right away. Bare metal will corrode
quickly and may develop into a major
repair expense.
Minor chips and scratches can be repaired
with touch-up materials available from
YOU^ dealer or other service outlets.
Larger areas
of finish damage can be
corrected in your dealer’s body and paint
shop.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal
and dust control can collect on the
underbody;
If these are not removed,
accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on
the underbody parts such as fuel lines,
frame,
floor pan, and exhaust system even
though they have corrosion protection.
At least every spring, flush these
materials
.from the underbody with plain
water. Clean any areas where mud and
othef deb& can collect.
Dirt packed in
closed areas
of the frame should be
loosened before
being flushed. Your
dealer or an underbody vehicle washing
system can do this
for you.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric conditions
can create
a chemical fallout. Airborne
pollutants can fall up~n and attack painted
surfaces on your vehicle.
This damage
can take two forms: blotchy,
ringlet-shaped discolorations, and small
irregulai dark spots etched into the paint
surface.
Although no defect in the paint job causes
this, Geo
will repair, at no charge to the
owner, the surfaces of new vehicles
damaged by this fallout condition within
12 months or 12,000 miles (20
000 km)
of purchase, whichever comes first.
. . .I94
ProCarManuals.com
Service and Appearance Care
Vehicle Identification
Number
(VZN)
rhis is the legal identifier for your Geo. I
lppears on a plate in the front corner of
he instrument panel, on the driver’s side.
fou can see it
if you look through the
windshield from outside your vehicle.
he VIN also appears
on the Vehicle
ktification and Service Parts labels and
he certificates
of title and registration.
Engine Identification
rhe eighth character in your VIN is the
:ngine code.
This code will help you
denti€y your engine, specifications, and
meplacement parts.
. .I96
9
1
I
il
1
t
Service Parts
Identification Label
You’ll find this label inside the glove box
m the door. It’s very helpful if you ever
need to order parts.
On this label is:
B -your VIN,
the model designation,
B paint information, and
a list of all production options and
special equipment.
Be sure that this label is not removed
From the vehicle.
Add-on Electrical
Equipment
NOTICE:
Don’t add anything electrical to your
Geo unless you check with your
dealer first. Some electrical equip-
ment can damage your vehicle and
the damage wouldn’t be covered by
your warranty. Some add-on electri-
cal equipment can keep other compo-
nents from working as they should.
I.
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers
The wiring circuits in your vehicle are
protected from short circuits by fuses,
circuit breakers and thermal
links in the
wiring itself. This greatly reduces the
chance
of fires caused by electrical
problems.
The main
fuse box is in your engine
compartment
OR the right side. It protects
all electrical loads.
ProCarManuals.com
Service and Appearance Care
Main Fuse Block
1 - Generator to Battery Circuit (60A)
2
- Circuits Only Active When
Ignition Switch is
in “ACC,” “ON”
or “START” (50A)
3
- Circuits Always Active (40A)
4 - Circuits Always Active (30A)
. . .198
nstrument Panel Fuse Block
- Right Headlight (15A)
~ - Left Headlight; High Beam Indicatol
Light
( 1 SA)
I- Taillights; Interior Light; Sidemarker Lights; Instrument Cluster Lights
( 1 SA)
. - Stop Lights; Horn (15A)
~ - Hazard Lights (15A)
I - Door Lock (Option) (20A)
’ - Lighter; Radio (20A)
1 - Ignition System; Warning and
1 - Turn Signal Lights; Back-up Lights
Indicator Lights
( 1 SA)
( 1 SA)
10 - Wiper/Washer ( 15A)
1 1 - Rear Defogger (1 5A)
12 - Heater
(25A)
13
- Rear Wheel Anti-Lock Main Relay
(20A)
14 - Electronic Fuel Injection Main
Relay
( 15A)
ProCarManuals.com
Service and Appearance Care
..........
Capacities and Specifications
Engine
Type .......................................... . * L4
Compression Ratio 8-Valve Engine
................................................. 8.9: 1
16-Valve Engine ................................................ 9.5: 1
Fuel Delivery
............................................. Fuel Injection
Piston Displacement
........................................ 97 CID (1.6L)
Valve Arrangement
.................................... In-Head “V” Type
Firingorder
.................................................. 1-342
AC Belt Tension ... Deflect
Belt 0.24-0.35 in. (6-9 mm) @I 22 lbs. (10 kg.) Pressure
Fan Belt Tension
Inspection
...... Deflect Belt 0.24-0.32 in. (6-8 mm) @ 22 lbs. (10 kg.) Pressure
Replacement
.... Deflect Belt 0.20-0.28 in. (5-7 mm) @ 22 lbs. (10 kg.) Pressure
Thermostat Temperature Specification
......................... 180°F (82°C)
Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner Filter
8-Valve Engine
.......................................... 13780-6 1 AAO
16-Valve Engine ......................................... 13780-58B20
Engine
Oil Filter .............................................. 9606241 5
Radiator Pressure Cap ............................................ 13 psi
Spark Plug ................................. R43XLS (0.028” - 0.032” Gap)
Battery
....................................................... 26-60s
Fuel Filter
.............................................. AC Type GF571
PCVValve
.................................................. 96058079
.. .200
ProCarManuals.com