1999 CHEVROLET TRACKER transmission

Second Printing for Chevrolet Tracker Owner's Manual ± 1999
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6-20
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every 15,000 miles
(25 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:

In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90F (32C) or higher.

In hilly or mountainous terrain.

When doing frequent trailer towing.

Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the fluid and filter every
100,000 miles (166 000 km).
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you
may choose to have this done at the dealership
service department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false reading on
the dipstick.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transmission. Too much can mean that some of
the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be
sure to get an accurate reading if you check your
transmission fluid.

Second Printing for Chevrolet Tracker Owner's Manual ± 1999
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6-21
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission fluid level if you have been driving:

When outside temperatures are above 90F (32C).

At high speed for quite a while.

In heavy traffic
-- especially in hot weather.

While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180F to
200F (82C to 93C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about
15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are above
50F (10C). If it's colder than 50F (10C),
drive the vehicle in DRIVE (D) until the engine
temperature gage moves and then remains steady for
10 minutes. Then follow the hot check procedures.Checking Transmission Fluid Cold
A cold check is made after the vehicle has been sitting
for eight hours or more with the engine off and is used
only as a reference. Let the engine run at idle for five
minutes if outside temperatures are 50F (10C) or
more. If it's colder than 50F (10C), you may have to
idle the engine longer. Should the fluid level be low
during a cold check, you must perform a hot check
before adding fluid. This will give you a more accurate
reading of the fluid level.
Checking the Fluid Level

Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the
engine running.

With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).

With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in PARK (P).

Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.

Second Printing for Chevrolet Tracker Owner's Manual ± 1999
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6-22
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow
these steps:
JE±16±0013±X
1. The automatic
transmission dipstick is
a red ring handle located
in the rear of the engine
compartment toward the
center of the vehicle.
Pull out the dipstick and
wipe it with a clean rag
or paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again.JX±16±0015±W
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level. The fluid level must be in the COLD area,
below the cross
-hatched area, for a cold check or in
the HOT area or cross
-hatched area for a hot check.
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way.

Second Printing for Chevrolet Tracker Owner's Manual ± 1999
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6-23 How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission fluid to use. See ªRecommended
Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
Add fluid only after checking the transmission fluid
while it is hot. (A cold check is used only as a
reference.) If the fluid level is low, add only enough of
the proper fluid to bring the level up to the HOT area for
a hot check. It doesn't take much fluid, generally less
than one pint (0.5 L). Don't overfill.
NOTICE:
We recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRON-III, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by fluid other than
DEXRON
-III is not covered by your new
vehicle warranty.

After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under ªHow to Check.º

When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Manual Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil
is changed. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine when to change your transmission fluid.
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at your Chevrolet dealership
Service Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false reading.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transmission. Too much can mean that some of
the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be
sure to get an accurate reading if you check your
transmission fluid.

Second Printing for Chevrolet Tracker Owner's Manual ± 1999
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6-24
Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle is parked on a level place and the transmission is
cool enough for you to rest your fingers on the
transmission case.
Then, follow these steps:
JE±16±0076±T
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Check that the lubricant level is up to the bottom of
the filler plug hole.
3. If the fluid level is good, install the plug and be sure
it is fully seated. If the fluid level is low, add more
fluid as described in the next steps.
How to Add Fluid
Here's how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine what kind of fluid to use. See
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add only enough
fluid to bring the fluid level up to the bottom of the
filler plug hole.
3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug is fully seated.
Hydraulic Clutch
It isn't a good idea to ªtop offº your clutch fluid. Adding
fluid won't correct a leak.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.

Second Printing for Chevrolet Tracker Owner's Manual ± 1999
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6-64
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in
English and metric conversions.
Air ConditioningSee the refrigerant . . . . . . . . . . . . .
information label under the hood.
Cooling System
1.6L Engine 5.8 quarts (5.5 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0L Engine 6.9 quarts (6.5 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Crankcase with Filter
1.6L Engine 4.4 quarts (4.2 L)**. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0L Engine 5.5 quarts (5.2 L)**. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Tank
Tw o
-Door Convertible 14.8 gallons (56 L). . . . . . . . .
Four
-Door Hardtop 17.4 gallons (66 L). . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transmission
Drain and Refill 2.6 quarts (2.5 L)*. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Transmission
Four
-Wheel Drive 1.6 quarts (1.5 L)*. . . . . . . . . . . .
Tw o
-Wheel Drive 2.0 quarts (1.9 L)*. . . . . . . . . . . . Differential
Front 1.1 quarts (1.0 L)*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear 2.3 quarts (2.2 L)*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfer Case1.8 quarts (1.7 L) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
*Recheck fluid level after filling. See ªAutomatic
Transmission Fluidº or ªManual Transmission Fluidº in
the Index.
**When changing the oil filter, additional oil may be
needed. Recheck the oil level after filling. See ªEngine
Oilº in the Index.
1.6L Engine Specifications
VIN Engine Code 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type L4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horsepower 97. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firing Order 1
-3-4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermostat Temperature 190
F (88
C) . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0L Engine Specifications
VIN Engine Code C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type L4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horsepower 127. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firing Order 1
-3-4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermostat Temperature 179
F (82
C) . . . . . . . . . . .

Second Printing for Chevrolet Tracker Owner's Manual ± 1999
Scheduled Maintenance
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7-5
Short Trip/City Definition
Follow the Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance if
any one of these conditions is true for your vehicle:

Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.

Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop
-and-go traffic).

You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
your vehicle.

If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
One of the reasons you should follow this schedule if
you operate your vehicle under any of these conditions
is that these conditions cause engine oil to break
down sooner.
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or 3 months, whichever occurs first).
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Passenger
Compartment Air Filter Inspection. Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Inspection, if driving in dusty conditions. Front
Wheel Bearing Repack (2WD only) (or at each brake
relining, whichever occurs first). Automatic
Transmission Service (severe conditions only).
Manual Transmission Fluid Change. Transfer Case
Fluid Change. Differential Fluid Change. Valve Lash
(Clearance) Adjustment (1.6L Code 6 engine only).
Propeller Shafts and U
-Joints Inspection
(or every 15 months, whichever occurs first).
(Continued)

Second Printing for Chevrolet Tracker Owner's Manual ± 1999
Scheduled Maintenance
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7-6
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement. Passenger Compartment Air Filter
Replacement. Spark Plug Replacement. Engine
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection (or every 24 months,
whichever occurs first). Cooling System Service (or
every 30 months, whichever occurs first). Fuel Filter
Replacement (or every 30 months, whichever
occurs first).
Every 45,000 Miles (75 000 km): Automatic
Transmission Fluid Hose Replacement (or every
45 months, whichever occurs first).
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Positive Crankcase
Ventilation (PCV) Valve Replacement.
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Fuel Tank Cap
Gasket Replacement. Emission System Hoses
Inspection. Camshaft Timing Belt Replacement
(1.6L Code 6 engine only). Brake Fluid Service.
Spark Plug Wire Replacement (or every 60 months,
whichever occurs first). Wiring Harness and
Connectors Inspection (or every 60 months,
whichever occurs first).
At 90,000 Miles (150 000 km): Camshaft Timing Belt
Inspection (1.6L Code 6 engine only).
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Automatic
Transmission Service (normal conditions).
Evaporative Emissions Canister Replacement.
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete scheduled maintenance
on the following pages.