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These symbols are on some of your
controls:
Windshield Wiper
Windshield Washer
Windshield Defroster
Rear Window Wiper
and Washer
Rear Window Wiper
Rear Window Defogger Ventilating Fan Recirculate
Inside
Air
Circulate
Outside Air
Bi-Level
Vent
Heater
These symbols are used on warning and
indicator
lights:
Engine Coolant Temperature
Battery Charging System
Fl
Fuel
Engine Oil Pressure
Brake (Canada) Daytime Running Lights
.***to
(Canada) **e
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Here you can learn about the
many standard and optional
features on your Geo. and
information on starting. shifting
and braking
. Also explained are
the instrument panel and the
warning systems that tell you
if
everything is working properly -
and what to do if you have a
problem
.
Part 2
Features & Controls
Keys ........................................................... 36
DoorLocks ...................................................... 37
Theft
........................................................... 39
New Vehicle “Break-In” ........................................... 39
Ignitionswitch ................................................... 39
Starting
Your Engine .............................................. 40
Automatic Transmission ................. ...................... 42
Manual Transmission
............... ...................... 44
Four-wheel Drive ................................................ 46
Parking ......................................................... 48
EngineExhaust
.................................................. 51
Windows ....................................................... 52
Horn
........................................................... 53
Adjustable Steering Column ........................................ 53
Interior Lights
................................................... 57
Windshield WiperjWasher Lever
..................................... 57
Rear Window Wiperwasher
........................................ 59
Mirrors ......................................................... 59
Storage and Compartments
....................................... 60
Sun Visors
................................... .. ..... 61
Passenger Assist Grips
............................................. 62
Ashtray and Lighter
............................................... 62
Instrument Panel and Cluster
........................................ 66
The Turn Signalbights Control/Headlight Beam Lever ................... 54
ConvertibleTop
.................................................. 72
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Features and Controls
Tailgate
Use your key to lock or unlock your
tailgate.
If you have a convertible, be sure to unzil
the rear plastic window completely
befort
opening the tailgate. See "Opening and
Closing Your Rear Window"
in the Index
Open
the tailgate with the bottom of the
window still
altached to the tailgate.
When closing the tailgate be sure:
e
0
Both lower canvas top flaps are facini
outward
so they do not get caught in
the tailgate.
The zipper connector
is engaged
correctly or
you could damage your
zipper.
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Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in
some cities. Although your Geo has a
number of theft deterrent features, we
know that nothing we
put on it can make
it impossible to steal. However, there are
ways you can help.
Key in the Ignition
If you walk away from your vehicle with
the keys inside, it’s an easy target for joy
riders or professional thieves
- so don’t
do
it.
When you park your Geo and open the
driver’s door, you’ll hear a chime
reminding you to remove your key from
the ignition and take
it with you. Always
do this. Your steering wheel will be
locked, and
so will your ignition. If you
have
an automatic transmission, taking
your key out
also locks your transmission.
And remember to lock the doors.
Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows
and lock your vehicle. Remember
to keep
your valuables out
of sight. Put them in a
storage area, or take them with you.
New Vehicle
"Break-in"
NOTICE:
Your modern Geo doesn‘t need an
elaborate “break-in.” But
it will per-
form better
in the long run if you fol-
low these guidelines:
0 Keep your speed at 55 mph
(88 km/h) or less for the first
500 miles (804 km).
0 Don’t drive at any one speed
- fast or slow - for the first
500 miles (804 km). Don’t
make full-throttle starts.
0 Avoid making hard stops for
the first
200 miles (322 km) or
so. During this time your new
brake linings aren’t yet broken
in. Hard stops
with new linings
can mean premature wear and
earlier replacement. Follow this
“breaking-in“ guideline every
time you get new brake linings.
C
I Ignition Switch
Vith the key in the ignition switch, you
an
turn the switch to four positions:
,OCK (A): The only position in which
‘ou can remove the key. This locks your
teering wheel, ignition and automatic
ransmission. Press
in the ignition switch
s you turn the top of it toward you.
f you have an automatic transmission, the
gnition switch can’t be turned
to
,LOCK” unless the shift lever is in the
‘P’ (Park) position.
LCC (B): Position in which you can
bperate your electrical power accessories.
t unlocks the steering wheel and ignition.
Jse this position
if your vehicle must be
mhed or towed.
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I Parking over Things That Burn
A CAUTION;
Things that can bum could touch hot
exhaust
parts under your vehicle and
ignite. Don’t park over papers,
leaves,
dry pss or other things that
can bum.
Engine Exhaust
.I
A CAUTION:
Engine exhaust can kill. It contains
the gas carbon monoxide (CO),
wlch you can’t see or smell. It can I
cause unconsciousness and death.
You might have exhaust coming in if
Your exhaust system sounds
strange
or different.
a Your vehicle gets rusty
underneath.
a Your vehicle was damaged in a
collision.
* Your vehicle was damaged when
driving over high points on the
road or over
road debris.
Repairs weren’t done correctly.
Your vehicle or exhaust system
had been modified improperly.
If you ever suspect exhaust is coming
into your vehicle:
0 Drive it only with all the
windows down to blow out any
CO; and
immediatelv.
* Have your vehicle fixed
Running Your Engine While
You’re Parked
(AUTOMATlC TRANSMISSION)
It’s better not to park with the engine
running. But if you ever have to, here
some things to know.
A CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the air system
control
off could allow dangerous
exhaust
into your vehicle (see the
earlier Caution under “Engine
Exhaust”).
Also, idling in a closed-in place can
let deadly carbon monoxide
(GO)
into your vehicle even if the fan
switch
is at the highest setting. One
place
this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust - with CO - can come in
easily.
NEVER park in a garage with
the engine running.
Another clased-in place can be a
blizzard. (See “Blizzard”
in the
Index.)
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Features and Controls
If you have four-wheel drive and your
transfer case is
in “N’ (Neutral), your
vehicle will be free
to roll, even if your
shift lever
is in “P’ (Park). So, be sure the
transfer case
is in a drive gear - not in
“N’ (Neutral).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your
vehicle won’t move. See “Shifting into
‘P’ (Park)” in the Index.
If you’re parking on a
hill and if you’re
pulling a trailer,
also see “Towing a
Trailer’’ in the Index.
Windows
Manual Windows
Use the window crank to open and close
each door window.
Rear Swing-Out Side Windows
To open this window, pull the latch out
and forward.
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To close the window, pull the latch in and
back. w Horn
To sound the horn, press the horn symbol
on your steering wheel.
Adjustable Steering
Adjusting the steering column
while driving can be dangerous.
The movement of tha column could
startle or confuse you, causing you to
lose control of the vehicle. Adjust the
steering coIumn only when the
vehicle
is not being driven.
An adjustable steering column allows yo1
to adjust the steering column before you
drive.
You can
also raise it to the highest level tc
give your legs more room when you exit
and enter the vehicle.
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n
I
i
Rear Window WiperlWasher
(OPTION)
To turn on your rear wiper, push Q.
Push Q again to turn it off.
To spray washer fluid on the rear window,
push
Q about halfway down. Washer
fluid will spray as long
as you hold IQ .
To wash and wipe at the same time, push
IQ all the way in.
The washer and wiper will run as long as
you hold
Q . To add washer fluid, see
“Windshield Washer Fluid”
in the Index.
Mirrors
Inside Rearview Mirror
An inside rearview mirror is attached
above your windshield. The mirror has
pivots
so that you can adjust it up and
down or side
to side.
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror
You can adjust the mirror for day or night
driving. Pull the tab for night driving
to
reduce glare. Push the tab for daytime
driving.
Convex Outside Mirror
Your right side mirror is convex.
A convex mirror‘s surface is curved so
you can see more from the driver’s seat.
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