
Front Axle Engine Coolant
When 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.
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. 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:
0 Give freezing protection down to -33°F (-36°C).
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 1825M,” which won’t damage aluminum
parts. You can also use a recycled coolant conforming to
GM Specification 1825M with a complete coolant flush
and refill. If you use this mixture, you don’t need to add
anything else.
ProCarManuals.com

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 velvcle is moving
(except when you are pushing on the brake pedal
firmly).
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates rSray C2iQSg si brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Your rear drum brakes don’t have wear indicators, but if
you ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, have the rear
brake linings inspected. Also, the rear brake drums
should be removed and inspected each time the tires are
removed for rotation or changing. When you have the
front brakes replaced, have the rear brakes inspected,
too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or
if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign
of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a brake stop, your disc brakes
adjust for wear.
If your brake pedal goes down farther than normal, your
rear drum brakes
may need adjustment. Adjust them by
backing up and firmly applying the brakes a few times.
ProCarManuals.com

7 8
9
10 11
12
13
14 Lighter;
Radio
Ignition System; Warning and Indicator Lights
Turn Signal Lamps; Back-up Lamps
WiperNasher
Rear Defogger
Heater
Rear Wheel Anti-Lock Main Relay
Electronic Fuel Injection Main Relay Replacement Bulbs
Back-up .................................... 1156
Center High-Mounted Stop
...................... 921
Dome
............ GM Part No. 9605 1559 or equivalent
Front Parking and Turn Signal
............... 1157 NA
Headlamp (Halogen) .......................... 9004
GM Part
No. 944173 1 or equivalent
GM Part
No. 96052599 or equivalent
Heater
or Air
Conditioning Control ...................
Indicator and Warning
Brake
........... GM Part No. 9433184 or equivalent
Check Engine
..... GM Part No. 9433184 or equivalent
4WD ........... GM Part No. 9433184 or equivalent
................ GM Part No. 9433184 or equivalent
Safety Belt
....... GM Part No. 9433184 or equivalent
Turn Signal
...... GM Part No. 9433 184 or equivalent
Charging System
. . GM Part No. 9433184
or equivalent
Engine Oil Pressure GM Part
No. 9433184 or equivalent
Headlamp High Beam
Instrument Cluster GM Part
No. 9605 1561 or equivalent
6-63
ProCarManuals.com

System Parts. Replacing ....................... 6-34
Trailer
..................................... 4-48
Transmission Shift Interlock
............... 2- 12. 7.50
Wear
...................................... 6-33
Brakes. Anti-Lock
............................... 4-6
Brakes. Trailer
................................. 4-48
Braking
........................................ 4-5
Braking. In Emergencies
.......................... 4-8
Break-In. New Vehicle
........................... 2-7
Brightness Control
.............................. 2-33
BTSI (Brake Transmission Shift Interlock)
...... 2- 12. 7-50
Bulb Replacement .............................. 6-63
Front Parking and Turn Signal
.................. 6-37
Headlamps
................................. 6-35
Rear Combination Lamps
...................... 6-39
Rear Sidemarker
............................. 6-39
Sidemarker Lamps
........................... 6-38
System Warning Light
........................ 2-45
Canada. Vehicles First Sold In
-11
Canadian Roadside Assistance ...................... 8-7
Canvas Top Lowering and Raising
......................... 2-56
Preparing for Storage
......................... 2-61
Removing and Installing
....................... 2-60
Capacities and Specifications
...................... 6-64
CarbonMonoxide
......................... 2.25. 4.38
Cassette Tape Player Care
........................ 3-19
Certificatioflire Label
.......................... 4-43
Chains. Safety
................................. 4-47
Chains. Tire
................................... 6-48
Changing a Flat Tire ............................. 5-2 1
Charging System Light .......................... 2-44
.. ......................
Check Engine Light ............................. 2-46
Checking Your Restraint Systems
.................. 1-34
Checking Automatic Transmission Fluid
.................. 6-19
BrakeFluid
................................. 6-33
Engine Coolant
.............................. 6-26
Engineoil
.................................. 6-12
Manual Transmission Fluid
.................... 6-22
Power Steering Fluid
......................... 6-28
Restraint Systems
............................ 1-34
Things Under the
Hood ........................ 6-6
Chemical Paint Spotting
.......................... 6-57
Child Restraints
................................ 1-26
Securing in a Rear Seat Position
................. 1-27
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position
.......... 1-29
WheretoPut
................................ 1-26
Cleaner. Air
................................... 6-16
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels
........................... 6-56
Canvas Top and Plastic Windows
................ 6-55
Fabric
..................................... 6-50
Glass
...................................... 6-52
Outside of the Windshield and Wiper Blades
....... 6-53
Stains
...................................... 6-51
The Inside of Your Geo
....................... 6-49
The Outside
of Your Geo ...................... 6-53
Tires
...................................... 6-56
Top
of the Instrument Panel .................... 6-52
Vinyl
...................................... 6-51
TopStrap
................................... 1-26
Cigarette Lighter
............................... 2-36
Special Problems
............................ 6-51
Clock. Setting the
................................ 3-5
9-2
. ProCarManuals.com

Easy-Entry Seat ................................ I -4
Electrical Equipment. Adding
................ 2-10. 6-59
Enginecoolant
................................. 6-25
Adding
.................................... 6-26
Checking
................................... 6-26
Temperature Gage
............................ 2-46
Exhaust
.................................... 2-25
Identification
................................ 6-59
Overheating
................................. 5- 1 1
Running it While You’re Parked ................. 2-25
Specifications
............................... 6-64
Starting
..................................... 2-9
16-Valve
................................... 6-10
8-Valve
..................................... 6-8
Engineoil
.................................... 6-12
Adding
.................................... 6-13
Additives
................................... 6-15
Checking ................................... 6-12
Pressure Light
............................... 2-47
What Kind to Use
............................ 6- 14
What to do with Used Oil
...................... 6- I6
Whentochange
............................. 6-15
Ethanol(InFue1)
................................ 6-3
Exhaust. Engine
................................ 2-25
Expectant Mothers. Use
of Safety Belts ............. 1-20
Extender. Safety Belt ............................ 1-34
Fabric Cleaning
............................... 6-50
Fan Control Lever ............................... 3-2
Feature. Theft-Deterrent
.................... 3- 10. 3- 15
Fifth (5). Manual Transmission .................... 2- 15
FillingYourTank ................................ 6-4
Engine
Filter. Air Cleaner
.............................. 6-18
Finish Care
.................................... 6-54
Finish Damage
................................. 6-56
First
(1). Manual Transmission .................... 2-14
Flashers. Hazard Warning
......................... 5-1
Flat Tire. Changing
............................. 5-21
Flow-Through Ventilation System
................... 3-4
Fluid Capacities Chart ........................... 6-65
Flushing. Underbody
............................ 7-51
Folding Rear Seat
................................ 1-5
Foreign Countries. Fuel
........................... 6-4
Four-wheel Drive
......................... 2-17. 6-24
Fourth (4). Manual Transmission
................... 2-15
Freewheeling
Hubs ............................. 2-17
FrenchLanguage Manual
11
Front Ashtray .................................. 2-36
FrontAxle
.................................... 6-25
Front Parking and Turn Signal. Replacement
......... 6-37
Front Seat Side Pockets
........................... 2-6
Front Towing Hook-Ups
.......................... 5-8
Fuel
.......................................... 6-2
Gage
...................................... 2-48
Fuse Block. Instrument Panel
..................... 6-42
Fuse Block. Main
............................... 6-62
Fuseusage
.................................... 6-62
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
....................... 6-60
Gage
.. ...........................
FillingYourTank ............................. 6-4
In Foreign Countries
........................... 6-4
Engine Coolant Temperature
................... 2-46
Fuel
....................................... 2-48
Gasolines for Cleaner Air
......................... 6-3
9-4
-.-- .- _____ ..... .... --.-_Y_I____N___W___l~~=,,ll--C. ~~ ~ ProCarManuals.com

Temperature Control ........................... 3-2
Brake System Warning
........................ 2-45
Charging System
............................. 2-44
Check Engine
............................... 2-46
Engine Oil Pressure
.......................... 2-47
Safety Belt Reminder
..................... 1-9. 2-44
Lighter. Cigarette
............................... 2-36
Loading Your Vehicle
........................... 4-42
Lights
Daytime Running Lamps
(DRL) Indicator ......... 2-49
Loading Your Vehicle
for Off-Road Driving .......... 4-14
Locks Door
....................................... 2-2
Steering Column
............................. 7-50
Tailgate
..................................... 2-4
Torque
..................................... 2-22
Long Trip. Before Leaving on a
.................... 4-33
Loss of Control
................................ 4-12
Low
(L) Position. Automatic Transmission ........... 2- 14
Lowering and Raising the Canvas Top
.............. 2-56
Lubrication. Body
.............................. 7-49
Main Fuse Block
.............................. 6-62
Maintenance Record
............................ 7-56
Maintenance Schedule
............................ 7- 1
Owner Checks and Services .................... 7-48
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
............... 7-52
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
............ 7-54
Schedule1
................................... 7-8
Schedule
I Definition .......................... 7-4
ScheduleII
................................. 7-33
Schedule
11 Definition .......................... 7-6 Scheduled Maintenance Services
................. 7-2
Maintenance. Underbody
......................... 6-57
Maintenance. When Trailer Towing
................. 4-51
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light)
.... 2-46
Manual Front Seat
............................... 1-1
Manual Remote Control Mirror Manual Transmission
............................ 2-14
Fifth (5) Position
............................. 2-15
First (1) Position
............................. 2-14
Fourth (4) Position
........................... 2-15
Neutral
(N) Position .......................... 2-15
Parking Your Vehicle
......................... 2-24
Reverse (R) Position
.......................... 2-15
Second
(2) Position ........................... 2-15
Shiftspeeds
................................ 2-16
Starting Your Engine
........................... 2-9
Third (3) Position
............................ 2-15
Manual Transmission Fluid
....................... 6-22
Adding
.................................... 6-23
Checking
................................... 6-22
ManualWindows
............................... 2-26
Methanol (In
Fuel) ............................... 6-3
Mirrors
....................................... 2-34
Convex Outside
............................. 2-35
Inside Rearview
............................. 2-34
Outside Manual Adjust
........................ 2-34
MTBE (In Fuel)
................................. 6-3
Neutral
(N) Position, Automatic Transmission ....... 2-13
Neutral (N) Position, Manual Transmission
.......... 2-15
New Vehicle “Break-In”
.......................... 2-7
Nightvision
................................... 4-27
9-6
ProCarManuals.com

Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ............... 7-54
Recovery
Hooks. Using the ....................... 5-32
Recreational Vehicle Towing
...................... 4-40
Front
...................................... 4-41
Rear
....................................... 4-40
theCanvasTop
.............................. 2-60
Removing and
Installing
the Side Window ............................. 2-54
Your Rear Window
........................... 2-53
Replacement Bulbs
............................. 6-63
Replacement, Wheel
............................ 6-47
Replacing Safety Belts
........................... 1-35
Restraints, Checking Your
........................ 1-34
Restraints, Child
................................ 1-26
Restraints, Head
................................. 1-4
Restraints, Replacing Parts After a Crash ............ 1-35
Reverse (R) Position, Automatic Transmission
........ 2- 12
Reverse (R) Position, Manual Transmission
.......... 2- 15
Right Front Passenger Position
.................... 1-21
Roadside Assistance
.............................. 8-5
Roadside Assistance, Canadian
..................... 8-7
Rocking Your Vehicle
........................... 5-32
Replacing Seat
and Restraint System Parts After a Crash 1-35
.................................. Rotation, Tire 6-42
Safety Belt Extender
............................ 1-34
Safety Belt Reminder Light
................... 1.9. 2.44
.................................... Safety Belts 1-8
Careof
.................................... 6-52
DriverPosition
................,............. l-14
Extender ................................... 1-34
Adults
...........,......................... l-13
How to
Wear Properly ........................ 1 - 13 Incorrect Usage
.............................. 1 - 16
Lap-Shoulder
............................... 1-14
Questions People
Ask ......................... 1-12
Rear Seat Passengers
......................... 1-21
Replacing After a Crash
....................... 1-35
Right Front Passenger Position
.................. 1-21
Use by Children
............................. 1-24
Use by Larger Children
........................ 1-31
Use by Smaller Children and Babies
............. 1-24
Use During Pregnancy
........................ 1-20
Reporting to General Motors
.................... 8-5
Reporting to the Canadian Government
............ 8-5
Reporting to
the United States Government ......... 8-4
Scheduled Maintenance Services .................... 7-2
................................... Lap Belt 1-22
WhyTheyWork
.............................. 1-9
SafetyChains
.................................. 4-47
Safety Defects 8-4 ..................................
... Safety Warnings and Symbols ....................... 111
Seats .......................................... 1-1
EasyEnt
ry................................... l-4
Folding Rear 1-5
ManualFront
1-1
.................................
................................ Reclining Front ............................... 1-2
Securing a Child Restraint ..................... 1-27
Seats and Restraint Systems
........................ 1-1
Seats and Seat Controls ........................... 1-1
Second (2), Manual Transmission
.................. 2-15
Service and Appearance Care
...................... 6-1
Service and Owner Publications .................... 8-7
Service Bulletins, Ordering ........................ 8-8
Service Manuals, Ordering
........................ 8-8
Second (2), Automatic Transmission ................. 2-13
Service
........................................ 6-1
9-8
ProCarManuals.com

Front ....................................... 5-8
Rear ....................................... 5-10
Towing. Recreational Vehicle ..................... 4-40
Trailer Tongue Weight ........................... 4-46
Trailer Towing
................................. 4-44
Brakes
..................................... 4-48
Driving on Grades
............................ 4-50
Driving with a Trailer
......................... 4-48
Hitches
.................................... 4-47
Maintenance
................................ 4-51
Parking on Hills
............................. 4-50
Safety Chains
............................... 4-47
Turn Signals ................................ 4-49
Total Weight
on Your Vehicle’s Tires ............. 4-47
Towing a Trailer
............................. 4-44
Weight
of a Trailer ........................... 4-46
Transmission Fluid. Automatic
.................... 6- 19
Transmission Fluid. Manual ....................... 6-22
Transfer Case
.................................. 2- 19
Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator ............. 2-28
Turn SignalLamps Control/Headlamp Beam Lever
.... 2-28
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
................ 4-49
Trip Odometer
................................. 2-42
Underbody Flushing
........................... 7-5 1
Underbody Maintenance ......................... 6-57
Using the Recovery
Hooks ....................... 5-32
Vehicle Damage Warnings
......................... iv
Vehicle Dimensions Chart ........................ 6-66
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ............... 6-59
Vehicle Loading ................................ 4-42
Vehicle Storage ................................ 6-34
Vehicle Symbols ................................... v
Vehicle. Control of a ............................. 4-5
Vehicle. Leaving Your
............................ 2-3
Vehicles First Sold
in Canada 11
Ventilation System. Flow-Through .................. 3-4
Ventilation Tips
................................. 3-4
Vision. Night
.................................. 4-27
Visors. Sun
.................................... 2-35
.. ........................
warning Devices ............................... 5-2
Warning Lights. Gages and Indicators
............... 2-43
Washing Your Vehicle
........................... 6-53
Water. Driving Through Deep Standing ............. 2-11
Wheel
Nut Torque ......................... 5-29. 6-66
Wheel Replacement
............................. 6-47
Wheel Replacement. Used
........................ 6-48
Windows
..................................... 2-26
Windows. Manual
.............................. 2-26
Windows. Rear Swing-Out Side
................... 2-26
Windshield Washer Fluid
.................... 2-3 1. 6-30
Windshield Washers ............................. 2-31
Windshield WasherlWiper Lever
................... 2-30
Windshield Wipers
.............................. 2-30
Winter. Driving
in .............................. 4-36
WiperNasher. Rear Window
...................... 2-32
Warning Flashers. Hazard
......................... 5-1
Warnings. Battery ................................ 5-2
Weatherstrips
.................................. 6-53
WreckerTowing
................................. 5-6
9-10 .. ~ .. . .. ---~‘-.”.‘- ^1 ___.-___-__ ProCarManuals.com