2000 CHEVROLET TRACKER automatic transmission

Table of Contents
Keys and Door Locks
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System (If Equipped)
Endgate
Automatic Transmission (If Equipped)
Manual Transmission Operation (If Equipped)
Four-Wheel Drive Operation (If Equipped)
Parking Brake
Windows
Tilt WheelTurn Signal/Multifunction Lever
Windshield Wipers
Cruise Control (If Equipped)
Interior and Exterior Lamps
Mirrors
Storage Compartments
Convenience Net/Cargo Cover/Luggage Carrier (If Equipped)
Accessory Power Outlet
Instrument Panel, Warning Lights and Gages Seats and Seat Controls
Safety BeltsAir Bag Systems
Child Restraints
Section
1
Section
2
Seats and Restraint Systems
Features and Controls
ii

2-
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 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2
-16 Automatic Transmission Operation
2
-20 Manual Transmission Operation
2
-22 Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
2
-24 Parking Brake
2
-25 Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic
Transmission Only)
2
-27 Shifting Out of PARK (P) (Automatic
Transmission Only)
2
-28 Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transmission Models Only)2
-28 Parking Over Things That Burn
2
-29 Engine Exhaust
2
-29 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
(Automatic Transmission)
2
-30 Windows
2
-32 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-38 Exterior Lamps
2
-40 Interior Lamps
2
-41 Mirrors
2
-43 Storage Compartments
2
-48 Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
2
-48 Sun Visors
2
-48 Accessory Power Outlet
2
-49 Convertible Top (If Equipped)
2
-56 The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
2
-58 Instrument Panel Cluster
2
-59 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

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.

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
With the key in the ignition
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 (ACCESSORY) (B): This is the position in which
you can operate your electrical power accessories. It
also unlocks the steering wheel and ignition. Use this
position if your vehicle must be pushed or towed.

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 Engine
For cold and warm engines --
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, push the accelerator pedal
one
-third of the way down. Hold it there, for not
more than 15 seconds at a time, while you turn your
key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the
key and release the pedal. Wait about 15 seconds
between each try to help avoid draining your battery
or damaging your starter.

2-16
Automatic Transmission Operation
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
PARK (P): This locks your rear wheels. It's the best
position to use when you start your engine because your
vehicle can't move easily.
CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
If you have four-wheel drive, your vehicle will
be free to roll
-- even if your shift lever is in
PARK (P)
-- if your transfer case is in
NEUTRAL (N). So, be sure the transfer case is in
a drive gear, two
-wheel high (2H) or four-wheel
high (4H) or four
-wheel low (4L) -- not in
NEUTRAL (N). See ªShifting Into PARK (P)º in
the Index. If you're pulling a trailer, see ªTowing
a Trailerº in the Index.

2-17
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You have to fully
apply your regular brakes before you can shift from
PARK (P) when the ignition key is in ON. If you cannot
shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift
lever
-- push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P)
and release the shift lever button as you maintain brake
application. Then press the shift lever button and move
the shift lever into the gear you wish. See ªShifting Out
of PARK (P)º in the Index.
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
NOTICE:
Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is
moving forward could damage your transmission.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle
is stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transmission, see
ªStuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snowº in the Index.NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn't
connect with the wheels. To restart when you're
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
CAUTION:
Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while
your engine is ªracingº (running at high speed) is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the
brake pedal, your vehicle could move very
rapidly. You could lose control and hit people
or objects. Don't shift out of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing.
NOTICE:
Damage to your transmission caused by shifting
out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the
engine racing isn't covered by your warranty.

2-19 Overdrive Off Switch (If Equipped)
The overdrive off switch is located on the left side of the
shift lever. By operating the overdrive off switch, the
four
-speed automatic transmission (three-speed plus
overdrive) can be converted to a three
-speed automatic
transmission. While in the three
-speed mode, the
transmission will not shift into the overdrive position.To convert the transmission to the three
-speed
mode, push in the overdrive off switch and release it.
The switch will come out and the OD/OFF indicator
light on the instrument panel cluster will come on. The
Overdrive Off switch is for normal driving, however, it
also offers more power and lower fuel economy than
driving in the overdrive position. Here are some times
you might choose to drive with the overdrive off
switch engaged:

When driving on hilly, winding roads.

When going down a steep hill.
To return the transmission to the four
-speed mode,
push in the overdrive off switch again. The switch will
remain in and the OD/OFF indicator light will go off.
Disengaging the Overdrive Off switch is for normal
driving with the four
-speed automatic transaxle.
If you need more power for passing, and you're:

Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push
your accelerator pedal about halfway down.

Going about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
accelerator all the way down.
Please note that if the transfer case shift lever is in the
4L position, the four
-speed automatic transmission will
remain in the three
-speed mode.