1998 CHEVROLET TRACKER power steering

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Ignition Positions
m I With the key in the ignition
rr
4 I
switch, you can turn the
switch to four positions.
LOCK (A): This is 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
PARK (P).
ACC (B): This is the position in which 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): This is the position that 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): This is the position that starts the engine.
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.
A warning tone will sound if you open the driver’s door
when the ignition is in
ACC or LOCK and the key is in
the ignition.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Windows
Manual Windows
Use the window crank to open and close each
door window.
Power Windows (If Equipped)
With power windows, switches on the driver’s door
control each
of the front side windows when the ignition
is on. The
driver-controlled switches for the rear windows
are located on the center console.
There
are individual controls near each window.
The driver’s door also has a lock button for the
passenger window(s). When you push
LOCK, the
passenger window(s) can’t be raised or lowered. Push
LOCK again to unlock the window(s).
Horn
To sound the horn, press one of the horn symbols on the
sides of your steering wheel.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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” through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Approaching a Hill
When you approach a hill, you need to decide if it’s one
of those hills that’s just too steep to climb, descend or
cross. Steepness can be hard to judge. On a very small
hill, for example, there may be a smooth, constant
incline with only a small change in elevation where you
can easily see all the way to the top. On a large hill, the
incline may get steeper as you near the top, but you may
not see this because the crest
of the hill is hidden by
bushes, grass or shrubs.
Here are some other things to consider
as you approach
a hill.
Is there a constant incline, or does the hill get sharply
Is there good traction on the hillside, or will the
steeper
in places?
surface cause tire slipping?
Is there a straight path up or down the hill so you
Are there obstructions on the hill that can block your won’t have to make turning maneuvers?
path (boulders, trees, logs or ruts)?
What’s beyond the hill? Is there a cliff, an
embankment, a drop-off, a fence? Get out and walk the
hill if you don’t know. It’s the smart way to find out.
Is the hill simply too rough? Steep hills often have
ruts, gullies,
troughs and exposed rocks because they
are more susceptible to the effects of erosion.
Driving Uphill
Once you decide you can safely drive up the hill, you
need to take some special steps.
Use a low gear and get a fm 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.
I A CAUTION:
lhrning 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.
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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 i\
nformation about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
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6-34 Service
Fuel
Fuels in Foreign Countries
Filling Your Tank
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
Checking Things Under the Hood
Engine Oil
Air Cleaner
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Manual Transmission Fluid
Engine Coolant
Radiator Pressure Cap
Thermostat
Power Steering Fluid
Windshield Washer Fluid Brakes
Battery
Bulb Replacement 6-40
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6-63 Tires
Appearance Care Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
Cleaning the Outside
of the Windshield,
Backglass and Wiper Blades
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
Special Care for Canvas Top and
Plastic Windows
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels
(If Equipped)
Cleaning Tires
Finish Damage
Underbody Maintenance
Appearance Care Materials Chart
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Electrical System Replacement Bulbs
Capacities and Specifications
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When you open the hood, you’ll see the following:
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. Engine Oil Fill Cap
H. Power Steering Fluid
I. Brake Fluid Reservoir
J. Air Cleaner
Reservoir
Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are
on.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When you replace your radiator pressure cap, 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 AC' thermostat
is recommended.
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, wipe the cap and the top
of the reservoir clean, then 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.
When the engine compartment is hot,
the level should
be at the MAX mark.
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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.
7xhaust Syste:-- p- 1sy::A’on
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.
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.
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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