1999 CHEVROLET TRACKER ignition

Second Printing for Chevrolet Tracker Owner's Manual ± 1999
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1-29
NOTICE:
If you damage the covering for the driver's or the
right front passenger's air bag, the bag may not
work properly. You may have to replace the air
bag module in the steering wheel or both the
air bag module and the instrument panel for
the right front passenger's air bag. Do not open
or break the air bag coverings.
If your vehicle ever gets into a lot of water -- such as
water up to the carpeting or higher
-- or if water enters
your vehicle and soaks the carpet, the air bag controller
can be soaked and ruined. If this ever happens, and then
you start your vehicle, the damage could make the air
bags inflate, even if there's no crash. You would have to
replace the air bags as well as the sensors and related
parts. If your vehicle is ever in a flood, or if it's exposed
to water that soaks the carpet, you can avoid needless
repair costs by turning off the vehicle immediately and
disconnecting the battery cables. Don't let anyone start
the vehicle under any circumstances. See your dealer
for service.
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the air bag system in several places
around your vehicle. You don't want the system to
inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your
dealer and the service manual have information about
servicing your vehicle and the air bag system. To
purchase a service manual, see ªService and Owner
Publicationsº in the Index.
CAUTION:
For up to 15 seconds after the ignition key is
turned off and the battery is disconnected, an air
bag can still inflate during improper service. You
can be injured if you are close to an air bag when
it inflates. Avoid wires wrapped with yellow tape
or yellow connectors. They are probably part of
the air bag system. Be sure to follow proper
service procedures, and make sure the person
performing work for you is qualified to do so.
The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.

2-
Second Printing for Chevrolet Tracker Owner's Manual ± 1999
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2-1
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-2 Keys
2
-4 Door Locks
2
-6 Remote Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
2
-9 Tailgate
2
-10 Theft
2
-11 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-11 Ignition Positions
2
-13 Starting Your Engine
2
-14 Automatic Transmission Operation
2
-19 Manual Transmission Operation
2
-20 Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
2
-22 Parking Brake
2
-23 Shifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission Only)
2
-25 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission Only)
2
-26 Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission
Models Only)2
-27 Parking Over Things That Burn
2
-27 Engine Exhaust
2
-28 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
(Automatic Transmission)
2
-29 Windows
2
-30 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-36 Exterior Lamps
2
-39 Interior Lamps
2
-40 Mirrors
2
-41 Storage Compartments
2
-47 Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
2
-47 Sun Visors
2
-48 Accessory Power Outlet (If Equipped)
2
-48 Convertible Top (If Equipped)
2
-56 The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
2
-58 Instrument Panel Cluster
2
-59 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

Second Printing for Chevrolet Tracker Owner's Manual ± 1999
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2-2
Keys
CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition
key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or
others could be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate power windows or other
controls or even make the vehicle move. Don't
leave the keys in a vehicle with children.
AS201001

Second Printing for Chevrolet Tracker Owner's Manual ± 1999
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JE±12±9000±W
One key is used for the
ignition, the doors and all
other locks.
When a new vehicle is delivered, the dealer removes the
metal plate from the key ring and gives it to the
first owner.
The metal plate has a code on it that tells your dealer or
a qualified locksmith how to make extra keys. Keep the
code in a safe place. If you lose your keys, you'll be able
to have new ones made easily using this code.If you need a new key, contact your Chevrolet dealer
who can obtain the correct key code. In an emergency,
call the Chevrolet Roadside Assistance Program at
1
-800-CHEV-USA
(1-800-243-8872).
In Canada call 1
-800-268-6800.
NOTICE:
Your vehicle has a number of features that can
help prevent theft. However, you can have a lot of
trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever lock
your key inside. You may even have to damage
your vehicle to get in. So be sure you have an
extra key.

Second Printing for Chevrolet Tracker Owner's Manual ± 1999
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2-10 Tailgate Lock Release
Use your key to lock or unlock your tailgate.
If you have a convertible, you can still open or close the
tailgate with the rear window closed.
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft
-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal. However, there are ways you
can help.
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it's an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves
-- so
don't do it.
When you park your vehicle and open the driver's door,
you'll hear a tone reminding you to remove your key
from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this.
Your steering wheel will be locked, and so will your
ignition. If you have an automatic transmission, taking
your key out also locks your transmission. Also
remember to lock the doors.
Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.
Parking Lots
If you park in a lot where someone will be watching
your vehicle, it's best to lock it up and take your keys.
But what if you have to leave your ignition key? What if
you have to leave something valuable in your vehicle?

Put your valuables in a storage area, like your
glove box.

Lock your glove box.

Close all windows.

If possible, park in a busy, well lit area.

If your vehicle has a remote keyless entry system,
take the transmitter with you.

Lock all the doors except the driver's.

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2-11
New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
NOTICE:
Your vehicle doesn't need an elaborate
ªbreak
-in.º But it will perform better in the long
run if you follow these guidelines:

Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or
less for the first 500 miles (805 km).

Don't drive at any one speed
-- fast or
slow
-- for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Don't make full
-throttle starts.

Avoid making hard stops for the first
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings aren't yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking
-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.

Don't tow a trailer during break
-in.
See ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index for
more information.
Ignition Positions
CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition
key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or
others could be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate power windows or other
controls or even make the vehicle move. Don't
leave the keys in the vehicle with children.
JE±12±0025±S
With the key in the ignition
switch, you can turn the
switch to four positions.

Second Printing for Chevrolet Tracker Owner's Manual ± 1999
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2-12
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 (ACCESSORY) (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.
CAUTION:
On manual transmission vehicles, turning the key
to LOCK will lock the steering column and result
in a loss of ability to steer the vehicle. This could
cause a collision. If you need to turn the engine
off while the vehicle is moving, turn the key only
to ACC. Don't push the key in while the vehicle
is moving.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the
steering wheel left and right while you turn the
key hard. But turn the key only with your hand.
Using a tool to force it could break the key or the
ignition switch. If none of this works, then your
vehicle needs service.

Second Printing for Chevrolet Tracker Owner's Manual ± 1999
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2-13
Starting Your Engine
Automatic Transmission
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won't start in any other position
-- that's a
safety feature. To restart when you're already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
NOTICE:
Don't try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle is
moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The gear selector should be in NEUTRAL and the
parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the
floor and start the engine. Your vehicle won't start if the
clutch pedal is not all the way down
-- that's a
safety feature.
Starting Your L4 Engine
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be
drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can
damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid
draining your battery or damaging your starter.
2. If it doesn't start right away, hold your key in
START for about three seconds at a time until your
engine starts. Wait about 15 seconds between each
try to help avoid draining your battery.
If your engine still won't start, call your dealer for help.