If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all
the instructions here, or you could get a
false reading.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can
darnage your transmission.
Too much
can mean that some of the tluid could
come out and Pall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system parts, starting a
fire. Be sure to get an accurate read-
ing
if you check your transmission
fluid.
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.
Then, follow these steps:
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Check that the lubricant level is up to
the bottom
of the filler plug hole.
3. If the fluid level is good, install the
plug and
be sure it is fully seated. If
the fluid level is low, add more fluid
as described in the next steps.
How to Add Fluid:
Here’s how to add tluid. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of tluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.
1. Rernove the filler plug.
2. Add tluid at the filler plug hole. Add
only enough fluid to bring the fluid
level
LIP to the bottom of the filler
plug hole.
3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug
is
fully seated.
CIutch Adjustment
The clutch linkage in your vehicle
should be checked
as recommended in
your Maintenance Schedule. To check,
push the clutch pedal down
with your
hand
until you feel some resistance to
movement of the pedal.
If the pedal
moves freely up to an inch
(25 mm) or
so before you feel resistance to the travel,
adjustment isn’t needed.
If there is no free travel or very little
(less than
S/8 of an inch), see your dealer
for adjustment.
Rear Axle
WheR to Check and Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
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. 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 01‘ lubricant to use.
See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants”
in the Index.
169 ...
ProCarManuals.com
~~
~~ ~ ~~~~ ~ 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
. . .I70
ProCarManuals.com
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.
171 ..
ProCarManuals.com
Service and Appearance Care
Radiator Pressure Cap
16-Valve Engine
To Add Coo1ant:If you need to add more
coolant, add the proper mix
qt the coolant
recovery tank. Add
coolant
mix at the recovery tank, but
be careful not to spill it.
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 13 psi (90 kPa)
pressure-type cap and must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss and
possible engine damage
from over-
heating.
Be sure the amows on the
cap line up with the overflow tube
on the radiator filler neck.
When you replace
your radiator pressure
zap, 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
Ace' thermostat is recommended.
. . .172
ProCarManuals.com
Power Steering FJuid
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.
D When the engine compartment is hot,
the level should
be at the “MAX”
mark.
D When the engine compartment is cool
the level should be at
the “MIN”
mark.
‘hat to Add:
:fer to the Maintenance Schedule to
terrnine what kind of fluid to use. See
[ecornmended Fluids and Lubricants”
in
2 Index.
NOTICE:
When adding power steering fluid or
making
a complete fluid change,
always use
the proper fluid. Failure
to use the proper fluid can cause
leaks and damage hoses and seals.
173 ...
ProCarManuals.com
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).
175 ...
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
Replacement Bulbs
Back-up ........................................................ 1156
Dome
...................................................... 96051559
Center High-Mounted Stop
........................................... 921
Front Parking and
Turn Signal .................................... 1157 NA
Headlight (Halogen) ............................................... 9004
Heater
or Air Conditioning Control ............................... 96052599
Charging System
............................................ 9433 184
Engine Oil Pressure
.......................................... 9433 184
4WD
...................................................... 9433184
Headlight High Beam
......................................... 9433 184
Instrument Cluster
............................................. 9605 156
Rear Defogger Switch ......................................... 9606 1736
Rear Hazard and
Turn Signal ........................................ 1156
Rear Wipermasher Switch
..................................... 9606 1736
Indicator and Warning
Brake
..................................................... 9433184
CheckEngine
............................................... 9433184
SafetyBelt
................................................. 9433184
Turnsignal
................................................. 9433184
Licenseplate
..................................................... 194
Lighter
...................................................... 9433184
Rearparkingandstop
............................................. 1157
Sidemarker ......................................... ............ 194
199 ...
ProCarManuals.com