2003 CHEVROLET TRACKER maintenance

3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level. The ¯uid level must be in the COLD area for
a cold check or in the HOT area for a hot check.
4. If the ¯uid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind of transmission ¯uid to use. SeePart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-30.
Add ¯uid only after checking the transmission ¯uid while
it is hot. (A cold check is used only as a reference.)
If the ¯uid level is low, add only enough of the proper
¯uid to bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot
check. It doesn't take much ¯uid, generally less
than 0.6 pints (0.3 L).
Don't over®ll.
Notice:
We recommend you use only ¯uid labeled
DEXRONž-III, because ¯uid with that label is made
especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by ¯uid other than DEXRON
ž-III
is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
·After adding ¯uid, recheck the ¯uid level as described
under ªHow to Check.º
·When the correct ¯uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
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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 ¯uid.
See
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services on
page 6-4.
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 ¯uid can damage
your transmission. Too much can mean that some
of the ¯uid could come out and fall on hot engine
part or exhaust system parts, starting a ®re.
Too little ¯uid could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you
check your transmission ¯uid.Check the ¯uid 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 ®ngers on the
transmission case.
Then, follow these steps:
1. Remove the ®ller plug.
2. Check that the lubricant level is up to the bottom of
the ®ller plug hole.
3. If the ¯uid level is good, install the plug and be sure
it is fully seated. If the ¯uid level is low, add more
¯uid as described in the next steps.
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How to Add Fluid
Here's how to add ¯uid. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine what kind of ¯uid to use. See
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-30.
1. Remove the ®ller plug.
2. Remove the drain plug, drain the ¯uid and reinstall
the drain plug.
3. Add ¯uid at the ®ller plug hole. Add only enough
¯uid to bring the ¯uid level up to the bottom of the
®ller plug hole.
4. Reinstall the ®ller plug. Be sure the plug is fully
seated.
Hydraulic Clutch
It is not necessary to regularly check clutch ¯uid unless
you suspect there is a leak in the system. Adding
¯uid won't correct a leak.
A ¯uid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
When to Check and What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often you should check the ¯uid level in your clutch
master cylinder reservoir and for the proper ¯uid.
See
Part B: Owner Checks and Services on page 6-24andPart D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-30.
How to Check and Add Fluid
You do not need to check the ¯uid level unless you
suspect a clutch problem. To check the ¯uid level,
look at the markings on the reservoir. If the ¯uid reaches
the MAX line, the ¯uid level is correct.
5-27

Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is ®lled with DOT-3
brake ¯uid. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for the location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake ¯uid level
in the reservoir might go down. The ®rst is that the brake
¯uid goes down to an acceptable level during normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the ¯uid
level goes back up. The other reason is that ¯uid isleaking out of the brake system. If it is, you should have
your brake system ®xed, since a leak means that
sooner or later your brakes will not work well, or will not
work at all.
So, it is not a good idea to ªtop offº your brake ¯uid.
Adding brake ¯uid will not correct a leak. If you add ¯uid
when your linings are worn, then you will have too
much ¯uid when you get new brake linings. You should
add (or remove) brake ¯uid, as necessary, only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If you have too much brake ¯uid, it can spill on
the engine. The ¯uid will burn if the engine is
hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
¯uid only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system. See ªChecking Brake Fluidº
in this section.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to check your brake ¯uid. See
Part C: Periodic
MaintenanceInspections on page 6-28.
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Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle
was designed and tested with top-quality GM brake parts.
When you replace parts of your braking system Ð for
example, when your brake linings wear down and you
need new ones put in Ð be sure you get new approved
GM replacement parts. If you do not, your brakes may no
longer work properly. For example, if someone puts in
brake linings that are wrong for your vehicle, the balance
between your front and rear brakes can change Ð for the
worse. The braking performance you have come to
expect can change in many other ways if someone puts
in the wrong replacement brake parts.
Battery
Your new vehicle comes with a maintenance free
battery. When it's time for a new battery, get one that
has the replacement number shown on the original
battery's label. We recommend an ACDelco
žbattery.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for battery location.
Warning:Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
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Rear Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
how often to check the lubricant and when to change it.
See
Part C: Periodic MaintenanceInspections on
page 6-28andPart A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
on page 6-4.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.If the level is below the bottom of the ®ller plug hole,
you'll need to add some lubricant.
1. Remove the ®ller plug.
2. Remove the drain plug, drain the lubricant and
reinstall the drain plug.
3. Add enough lubricant to raise the level to the
bottom of the ®ller plug hole.
4. Reinstall the ®ller plug.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. SeePart D: Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-30.
5-52

Four-Wheel Drive
Most lubricant checks in this section also apply to
four-wheel-drive vehicles. However, they have two
additional systems that need lubrication.
Transfer Case
When to Check and Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant and when to change it. See
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services on page 6-4.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.If the level is below the bottom of the ®ller plug hole,
you'll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom of the ®ller plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. SeePart D: Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-30.
5-53

Front Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant and when to change it.
See
Part C: Periodic MaintenanceInspections on
page 6-28andPart A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
on page 6-4.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.If the level is below the bottom of the ®ller plug hole,
you may need to add some lubricant.
1. Remove the ®ller plug.
2. Remove the drain plug, drain the lubricant and
reinstall the drain plug.
3. When the differential is cold, add enough lubricant
to raise the level to 1/2 inch (12 mm) below the ®ller
plug hole.
When the differential is at operating temperature
(warm), add enough lubricant to raise the level
to the bottom of the ®ller plug hole.
4. Reinstall the ®ller plug.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. SeePart D: Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-30.
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