1996 CHEVROLET TRACKER power steering

Ignition Positions
4
With the key in the ignition
switch, you can
turn the
switch to four positions.,
LOCK (A): The only position in which you can remove
the key. This locks your steering wheel, ignition and
automatic transmission.
If you have an automatic transmission, the ignition
switch can’t be turned to LOCK unless the shift lever is
in the
PARK (P) position.
ACC (B): The position that you can operate your
electrical power accessories. It unlocks the steering
wheel and ignition. Use this position if your vehicle
must be pushed or towed.
ON (C): The position in which the switch returns to
after you start your engine and release the switch. The
switch stays in the
ON position when the engine is
running. But even when the engine is not running, you
can use ON to operate your electrical power accessories
and to display some instrument panel warning and
indicator lights.
START (D): The position in which the engine starts.
When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition
switch
will return to ON for normal driving.
When the engine is not running, ACC and
ON allow you
to operate your electrical accessories, such as the radio
and ventilation fan.
A warning chime will sound if you open the driver’s
door when the ignition is in ACC or LOCK and the key
is in the ignition.
2-7
ProCarManuals.com

Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here’s why:
Experienced
driver or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The
traction of the tires against the road surface makes it
possible for the vehicle to change.its path when you turn
the front wheels.
If there’s no traction, inertia will keep
the vehicle going in the same direction.
If you’ve ever
tried
to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you’ll understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition
of your tires and the road surface, the angle at
which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you’re
in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. Suppose
you’re steering through a sharp curve.
Then you suddenly apply the brakes. Both control
systems
-- steering and braking -- have to do
their work where the tires meet the road. Unless
you
have four-wheel anti-lock brakes, adding the hard
braking can demand too much
of those places. You
can lose control.
The same thing can happen if you’re steering through
a
sharp curve. and you suddenly accelerate. Those two
control systems
-- steering and acceleration -- can
overwhelm those places where the tires meet the road
and make you lose control.
What should you do
if this ever happens? Ease up on the
brake or accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you
want it to go, and slow. down.
Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should
adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds
are
based on good weather and road conditions. Under less
favorable conditions you’ll want to
go slower.
If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a
curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front
wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust your speed
so you can “drive” though the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.
4-9
ProCarManuals.com

Driving Uphill
Once you decide you can safely drive up the hill, you
need to take some special steps.
0
0
0
Use a low gear and get a firm grip on the
steering wheel.
Get
a smooth start up the hill and try to maintain
your speed. Don’t use more power than you need,
because you don’t want your wheels to start spinning
or sliding.
Try to drive straight up the hill if at all possible. If
the path twists and turns, you might want to find
another route.
/A CAUTION:
I
0
0
0
0
Ease up on your speed as you approach the top of
the hill.
Attach a
flag to the vehicle to make you more visible
to approaching traffic
on trails or hills.
Sound the horn as
you approach the top of the hill to
let opposing traffic know you’re there.
Use your headlamps even during the day. They make
you more visible to oncoming traffic.
-
nrning or driving across steep hills can be
dangerous.
You could lose traction, slide
sideways, and possibly roll over.
You could be
seriously injured
or killed. When driving up hills,
always try
to go straight up.
A CAUTION:
Driving to the top (crest) of a hill at full speed can
cause an accident. There could be
a drop-off,
embankment,
cliff, or even another vehicle. You
could be seriously injured or killed. As you near
the top of
a hill, slow down and stay alert.
4-20
ProCarManuals.com

When you open the hood, you’ll see the following:
c
A. Windshield Washer Reservoir
B. Engine Coolant Reservoir
C. Main Fuse Box
D. Battery
E. Engine Oil Dipstick
E Automatic Transmission Dipstick (if equipped)
G. Oil Fill Cap
H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
I. Brake Fluid Reservoir
J. Air Cleaner
6-8
ProCarManuals.com

Power Steering Fluid
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering fluid
unless you suspect there
is a leak in the system or you hear
an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system could indicate
a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, 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.
0 When the engine compartment is hot, the level
@ When the engine compartment is cool, the level
should
be at the
MAX mark.
should be at the
MIN mark.
6-27
ProCarManuals.com

Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed below are inspections and services which should
be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each
spring and fall). You should let your
GM dealer’s
service department or other qualified service center do
these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found
in a Geo service manual. See “Service and Owner
Publications” in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front- Wheel-Drive
Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing
parts, signs of
wear, or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system.
Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections, or other conditions which
could cause a heat build-up in the floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust”
in
the Index.
Radiator and Heater Hose Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed.
7-51
ProCarManuals.com

Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from your
GM dealer.
USAGE
Engine Oil
Engine Coolant
FLUIDlLUBRICANT
Engine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified For
Gasoline Engines “Starburst”
symbol
of the proper viscosity. To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle’s engine, see
“Engine Oil” in the Index.
50/50 mixture of clean water
(preferably distilled) and good
quality ethylene glycol base
antifreeze
(GM Part No. 1052753
or equivalent) conforming to GM
Specification 1825M
or approved
recycled coolant conforming
to
GM Specification 1825M. See
“Engine Coolant” in
the Index.
USAGE
Hydraulic Brake
System
Parking Brake
Cable Guides
Power Steering
System
Manual
Transmission
(All) and
Transfer Case
(4-Wheel-Drive)
~
Automatic
Transmission
Key Lock
Cylinders
FLUIDlLUBRICANT
Delco Supreme 11 @ Brake Fluid
(GM Part
No. 1052535 or
equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid).
Chassis lubricant (GM Part
No. 1052497 or equivalent) or
lubricant meeting requirements
of NLGI Grade 2, Category’ LB
or GC-LB.
DEXR0N’-I11 Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
GM Goodwrench Synthetic
Manual Transmission Gear Oil
(GM Part No. 12346190 - 1 qt.),
Castrol Syntorq@
LT or equivalent
SAE 75W-90 GL-4 gear oil.
DEXRON@-I11 Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Multi-F‘urpose Lubricant, Superlube@
(GM Part No. 12346241
or equivalent).
7-53
ProCarManuals.com

Safety Belt Reminder ..................... 1-1 3. 2.60
Service Engine Soon
.......................... 2-65
Loading Your Vehicle
. . ..................... 4-46
Locks
............ ................... 2-3
Cylinders
....... ................ 7-48
Door ........... ................... 2-3
FuelDoor
.................................... 6-5
Key Lock Cylinder Service
..................... 7-48
PowerDoor
.................................. 2-3
Steering Column Lock Check
................ 1 .. 7-50
Window
.................................... 2-27
Rear Door Security
............................. 2-4
Low, Automatic Transmission
..................... 2- 12
Lowering and Raising the Canvas Top
.............. 2-49
Lubricants and Fluids
............................ 7-53
Lubrication Service, Body
........................ 7-48
Maintenance, Normal Replacement
Pa& ........... 6-62
Maintenance Record
............. ' ............... 7-55
Maintenance Schedule
............................ 7-1
Long Tripmighway Definition
................... 7-6
Long Tripmghway Intervals
................ 7-6, 7-32
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
................ 7-5 1
Owner Checks and Services ..................... 7-47
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
............. 7-53
Scheduled Maintenance Services
... ............ 7-3 Short
Trip/City Definition
..................... 7-4
Short Trip/City Intervals
.................. 7.4,7. 7.8
Maintenance. Underbody
......................... 6-55
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
................. 4-55
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
...................... 2-65
Manual Adjust Mirror
........................... 2-37
ManualFrontSeat ............................... 1-1
Manual Transmission ........................ 2.8. 2.14
Shifting
.................. .................. 2-14
Starting Your Engine
........................... 2-8
Fluid
....................................... 6-19
Methanol
....................................... 6-3
Mirrors
....................................... 2-37
Convex Outside
.............................. 2-38
Inside Daymight Rearview
..................... 2-37
Manual Adjust ............................... 2-37
Power Remote Control ......................... 2-38
MMT ......................................... 6-3
Model Reference
......... ......... 111
Mountain Roads ............................ 4-37
Multifunction Lever
............................. 2-28
...
Neutral, Automatic Transmission ................. 2-11
Neutral, Manual Transmission
..................... 2-15
New Vehicle Break-In ............................ 2-6
Night Vision ................................. 4-30
9-7
ProCarManuals.com