1998 CHEVROLET PRIZM steering

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If a Tire Goes Flat
It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out
of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a
few tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake
to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like
a
skid and may require the same correction you’d use
in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from
the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by steering the way you want the vehicle to
go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop
-- well off the road if possible.
If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your hazard
warning flashers.
Changing a tire can cause an injury. The vehicle
can slip
off the jack and roll over you or other
people. You and they could be badly injured.
Find a level place to change your tire. To help
prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put an automatic transaxle shift lever in
PARK
(P), or shift a manual transaxle to
FIRST
(1) or REVERSE (R).
3. lbrn off the engine.
To be even more certain the vehicle won’t move,
you can put blocks at the front and rear of the
tire farthest away from the one being changed.
That would be the tire on the other side of the
vehicle, at the opposite end.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTICE:
Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your
vehicle
as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels
too fast while shifting your transaxle back and
forth, you can destroy your transaxle.
For information about using tire chains on your vehicle. see “Tire Chains” in the Index.
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear the area around your front wheels. Then shift back
and forth between REVERSE
(R) and a forward gear
(or with
a manual transaxle, between FIRST (1) or
SECOND
(2) and REVERSE (R)), spinning the wheels
as little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal while
you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transaxle is in gear.
If that doesn’t get you out
after a few tries, you may need to be towed out. Or, you
can use your recovery hooks. If you do need to be towed
out, see “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index.
Using the Recovery Hooks
Your vehicle is equipped with recovery hooks. The
recovery hooks are provided at the front
of your vehicle.
They can only be used
for pulling your vehicle out.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 0 Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then
it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and
a part devoted to its appearance care.
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Service
Fuel
Fuels in Foreign Countries
Filling Your Tank
Filling a Portable
Fuel Container
Checking Things Under the Hood
Engine Oil
Air Cleaner
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Manual Transaxle Fluid
Hydraulic Clutch
Engine Coolant
Radiator Pressure Cap
Thermostat Power Steering Fluid
Windshield Washer Fluid
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Brakes
Battery
Bulb Replacement
Tires
Appearance Care
Cleaning the Inside
of Your Vehicle
Cleaning the Built-in Child Restraint
Care of Safety Belts and Built-in Child
Restraint Harness
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN)
Electrical System
Replacement Bulbs
Capacities and Specifications
Air Conditioning Refrigerants

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When you open the hood on a 1.8 L (Code 8) engine, you'll see:
A. Windshield Washer
D. Engine Oil Dipstick I. Air Cleaner
Fluid Reservoir
E. Engine Oil Fill Cap
J. Battery
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
F. Radiator Pressure Cap K. Engine Compartment
C. Engine Compartment
G. Engine Coolant Reservoir Fuse Blocks
Fuse Block
H. Brake Fluid Reservoir
Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on properly.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Power Steering Fluid
1
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
You can check your fluid without taking the cap off. Just
look at the reservoir.
When the engine compartment is hot, the level
should be between the
HOT marks.
When the engine compartment is cool, the level
should be between the
COLD marks.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine What to Use
To determine what lund of fluid to use, see
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
I 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.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer symbol on it. Add washer
fluid until the tank is full.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine At Least Twice a Year Wiper Blade Check
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are
working properly.
If your vehicle has a built-in child
restraint, also periodically make sure the harness straps,
latch plates, buckle, clip, and anchorages are working
properly.
Look for any other loose or damaged safety
belt and built-in child restraint system parts. If you
see anything that might keep a safety belt or built-in
child restraint system from doing its
job, have it
repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts or
harness straps replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. The air bag system
should be inspected by a qualified technician
10 years
from the manufacture date on the Certification label.
After
10 years from the manufacture date, have the
system inspected every
24 months. (The Certification
label is located on the rear edge
of the driver’s door.) Inspect
wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade
inserts that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or
miss areas
of the windshield. Also see “Wiper Blades,
Cleaning” in the Index.
Fluid Level Check
Check the power steering pump, hydraulic clutch and
automatic or manual transaxle fluid levels and add as
needed. See “Power Steering,” “Hydraulic Clutch” and
“Automatic Transaxle” or “Manual Transaxle” in the
Index. Check for leaks. A fluid loss in these systems
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired at once.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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 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 service manual. See “Service and Owner
Publications” in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front 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.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the outside
of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help
ensure proper operation,
a pressure test of the cooling
system and pressure cap is recommended at least once
a year.
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