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Summary of Contents for Geo TRACKER 1996

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  • Page 2 This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use............Customer Assistance Information This section tells you how to contact Chevrolet/Geo for assistance and how to get service and owner publications. It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 8-8................. Index Here’s...
  • Page 3 E X C E L L E N C E product after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold Canada, substitute the name For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Chevrolet/Geo whenever appears in manual. this French Language Manual:...
  • Page 4 How to Use This Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly.
  • Page 5 Safety Warnings and Symbols You will also find a circle with a slash through it in You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. This safety this book. W e use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you symbol means “Don’t,’’...
  • Page 6 Vehicle Damage Warnings In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would Also, in this book you will find these notices: not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage.
  • Page 7 Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle. For example, These symbols These symbols These symbols These symbols Here are some these symbols are important have to do with are on some of are used on other symbols are used on an for you and...
  • Page 8 Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems Here you’ll find information about the seats in your Geo and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts. Seats and Seat Controls This part tells you about the seats how to adjust them,...
  • Page 9 Reclining Front Seatbacks To adjust the seatback, lift the lever on the outer side of But don't have a seatback reclined if your vehicle the seat. Release the lever to lock the seatback where is moving. you want it. Pull up on the lever, and the seat will go to oripinal upright position.
  • Page 10 Head Restraints Head restraints are fixed on some models and adjustable on others. Slide an adjustable head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of Sitting in reclined position when your vehicle is your ears.
  • Page 11 Easy Entry Seats (2-Door) CAUTION: If any easy entry seat isn’t locked, it can move. In a sudden stop or crash, the person sitting there could be injured. And, even if there is no crash or sudden stop, a driver sitting in an unlocked easy entry seat could be startled by the sudden movement and hit the wrong control or pedal, causing...
  • Page 12 Folding the Rear Seatback (2-Door Models) The rear seat in your Geo folds to provide more cargo space. To fold the rear seat, lower the rear seatback and then flip the whole rear seat up against the front seats. To get out, pull the release handle on rear passenger’s side front seat.
  • Page 13 2. Pull the knobs on both sides of the seatback. If 3. Fold the seatback down. you have the split rear seat, you can fold half of seat by pulling only the knob on the side you wish to fold.
  • Page 14 6. Find the support bar on the bottom of the This seat. 4. Unlock the bottom part of the seat: bar keeps the rear from unfolding. seat On the one-piece rear seat, pull out the 7. Pull the inner end of the support off of the seat release ring.
  • Page 15 To unfold the seat: Keep your hands, safety belts and other objects away from where the seat will rest. Pull the support bar out of the floor bracket and swing it up and toward the bottom of the seat. Push and secure the support bar into the bracket on the bottom of the seat.
  • Page 16 The rear seat in your Geo folds forward to provide more cargo space. fold the rear seat forward: 2. Pull up on the lock knob on the top of each seatback 1. Tuck the seatbelts into the storage groove between the seatbacks.
  • Page 17 4. Unsnap the strap located on the back of the 3. While pulling up on the lock knob, fold each rear seatback down. Both rear seatbacks must passenger’s side rear seatback. be folded down in order to move the seat forward.
  • Page 18 6. Lift the bottom of the seat up and push toward Pull ring to unlock the bottom of the release front of the vehicle. the seat. 1-11...
  • Page 19 To raise the rear seat: Unhook the strap from the floor loop and snap it on the back of the passenger’s side rear seatback. Slowly pull the seat down to the floor until it latches into place. Pull up on the bottom of the seat sure it is locked into position.
  • Page 20 Your vehicle has a light Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone on as that comes a reminder This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts to buckle up. (See “Safety properly. It also tells you some things you should not do Belt Reminder Light”...
  • Page 21 Safety Belts WOI When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes. Put someone on it. Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat on wheels. 1-14...
  • Page 22 Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider The person keeps going until stopped by something. doesn’t stop. In a real vehicle, it could be windshield...
  • Page 23 or the instrument panel . . . or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, your strongest bones take the forces. That's why safety belts make such good sense.
  • Page 24 If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from Here Are Questions Many People Ask home, why should I wear safety belts? About Safety Belts and the Answers You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident -- even one that isn’t your fault -- you and accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?
  • Page 25 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults This part is only for people of adult size. aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller chldren babies. I f a child will be riding in your Geo, see the part of this manual called “Children.”...
  • Page 26 4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
  • Page 27 What’s wrong with this? 6& CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too muck, which could increase injury. The should fit against your body. shoulder belt = A : The shoulder belt is too loose.
  • Page 28 What's wrong with this? CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries.
  • Page 29 What's wrong with this? You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which aren't as strong as shoulder bones.
  • Page 30 What’s wrong with this? You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it.
  • Page 31 Air Bag System bag system. This part explains the air Your Geo has two air bags one air bag for the driver and another for the right front passenger. to know about the air Here are the most important things bag system: CAUTION: You can...
  • Page 32 CAUTION: Air bags are designed to work only in moderate to severe crashes where the front of your vehicle hits An inflating air bag can seriously injure small They aren’t designed to inflate at all in -thing. children. Always secure children properly in your rollover, rear, side or low-speed frontal crashes.
  • Page 33 How the Air Bag System Works ’ The right front passenger’s air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. Where is the air bag? The driver’s air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel. 1-26...
  • Page 34 The air bag is not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant. In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air Don’t put anything on, or attach anything to, the bag should have inflated simply because of the damage steering wheel or instrument panel.
  • Page 35 How does an air bag restrain? moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions, belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or even the instrument panel. The air bag supplements the When inflates, there in the air. is dust protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute This dust could cause breathing-problems for the force the impact more evenly over the occupant’s...
  • Page 36 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Geo Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and diagnostic module, which records information Air bags affect how your Geo should be serviced. There about the air bag system. The module records are parts of the air bag system in several places around information about the readiness of the system, when your vehicle.
  • Page 37 Adding Equipment to Your Air Is there anything I might add to the front of the vehicle that could keep the air bags from Bag-Equipped Geo working properly? If I add a push bumper or a bicycle rack to the Yes.
  • Page 38 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For women.
  • Page 39 Lap-Shoulder Belt The rear seats have lap-shoulder belts. Here’s how to wear one properly. 1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted. The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly.
  • Page 40 3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle 2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part. sure it Pull up on the latch plate make is secure.
  • Page 41 The safety belt locks if there's a sudden stop or a crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor. You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury.
  • Page 42 Smaller Children and Babies Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle.
  • Page 43 at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lb. (110 kg) force your arms. The baby would be almost impossible to hold. Secure the baby in an infant restraint. Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a vehicle.
  • Page 44 Child Restraints Be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. seriously injured if the right front passenger’s air Then follow the instructions for the restraint.
  • Page 45 Top Strap Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position You’ll the lap-shoulder belt. be using See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. 1. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions for the child restraint.
  • Page 46 5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of 4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is the retractor to set the lock. positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
  • Page 47 Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position Your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in this seat. Here’s why: CAUTION: 6. To tighten the belt, feed shoulder belt back into A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be you push down on the child restraint.
  • Page 48 You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part one. about the top strap if the child restraint has 1. Because your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing a forward-facing chld restraint.
  • Page 49 6. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all way out of 7. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back the retractor to set the lock. into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint, 8. Push and pull the child restraint in different sure directions to be...
  • Page 50 Accident statistics show that children are safer if they Larger Children are restrained in the rear seat. they need to use the safety belts properly. Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out in a crash. Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other people who are.
  • Page 51 Never do this. Here two children are wearing the same belt. The can’t belt properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by at a only person time.
  • Page 52 ,’\ CAUTION: Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen.
  • Page 53 Safety Belt Extender Replacing Restraint System Parts After Crash If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts? But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your After a very mirior collision, nothing may be necessary.
  • Page 54 NOTES 1-47...
  • Page 55 NOTES 1-48...
  • Page 56 G e G D Section 2 Features and Controls learn about the many standard Here you and optional features on your Geo, and information on starting, shifting and braking. Also explained instrument panel and are the warning systems that tell you everything is working properly and what to do...
  • Page 57 One key is used for the NOTICE: ignition, the doors and all other locks. Geo has a features that can help Your number of When a new Tracker is prevent theft. However, you can have a lot of delivered, the dealer removes the metal plate trouble getting into your ,vehicle if you ever lock from the key ring...
  • Page 58 Door Locks To lock the door from the inside, push down the button on the door. To unlock it, pull up on the button. Unlocked doors can be dangerous. Passengers especially children can easily out. When a door is open the doors and fall "...
  • Page 59 Rear Door Security Locks ($-Door Models) If you want to open a rear door when the security lock is unlock the door from the inside, then open the door Your Ge6 is equipped with from the outside. rear security door locks that If you don’t cancel the security lock feature, adults or help prevent passengers older children who ride in the rear won’t be able to open...
  • Page 60 Tailgate Lock Release Tailgate Use your key to lock or unlock your tailgate. It can be dangerous to drive with the tailgate window open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You can’t see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. I f you must drive with the tailgate window open or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and...
  • Page 61 Key in the Ignition New Vehicle 46Break-InS’ you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s easy target for joy riders or professional thieves -- so NOTICE: don’t do it. When you park your Geo and open the driver’s door, Your modern Geo doesn’t need an elaborate you’ll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key “break-in.”...
  • Page 62 ACC (B): Ignition Positions The position that you can operate your electrical power accessories. It unlocks the steering With the key in the ignition wheel and ignition. Use this position if your vehicle must be pushed or towed. switch, you can turn the switch to four positions., ON (C): The position in which the switch returns to after you start your engine and release the switch.
  • Page 63 Starting Your Engine CAUTION: Automatic transmission Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). On manual transmission vehicles, turning the key to in any Your engine won’t start other position that’s a LOCK lock the steering column and result in a will safety feature.
  • Page 64 Starting Your 1.6 Liter Engine NOTICE: your Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn START. ignition key to When the engine starts, let Your engine is designed to work with the go of the key. electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could change the way NOTICE: the engine operates.
  • Page 65 Automatic Transmission Operation CAUTION: There are several different positions for your shift lever. ~~~~~ 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.
  • Page 66 Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) range before NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn’t starting the engine. Your Geo has a brake-transmission connect with the wheels. restart when you’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use shift interlock.
  • Page 67 DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. LOW (L): This position gives you even more power (but lower fuel economy) than SECOND (2). You can If you need more power for passing, and you’re: use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud, Going less than about 15 mpb (25 push your km/h),...
  • Page 68 The POWER indicator light on the instrument panel NOTICE: N (NORMAL) comes on. For normal driving, press the switch. The POWER indicator light goes off. If your rear wheels can’t rotate, don’t try to Overdrive Off Switch (Option) drive. This might happen if you were stuck in The overdrive off switch is located on the left side very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid shifter.
  • Page 69 Manual Transmission Here’s how to operate your transmission: FIRST (1): Press the clutch pedal and shift into 5-Speed FIRST (1). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. You can shift into F’IRST (1) when you’re going less than 20 mph If you’ve come to a complete km/h).
  • Page 70 Shift Speeds NEUTRAL (N): Use this position when you start or your idle engine. (R): REVERSE To back up, press down the clutch , L \ CAUTION: pedal and shift into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal. If you skip more than one gear when you ( 5 ) You cannot go from FIFTH...
  • Page 71 Four-wheel Drive (Option) If your vehicle has four-wheel drive, you can send Acceleration Shift Speed Cruise Shift Speed your engine’s driving power to all four wheels for extra It02 2 t o 3 3 t o 4 4 t o 5 2 t o 3 3 t o 4 4 t o 5 traction.
  • Page 72 Freewheeling Hubs NOTICE: Don’t drive in TWO-WHEEL HIGH (2H) with the manual locking hubs in LOCK. If you do, you could damage your front driveshaft parts. Your vehicle may have either manual or automatic freewheeling hubs. You must lock the hubs before you use FOUR-WHEEL HIGH (4H) or FOUR-WHEEL LOW (4L).
  • Page 73 Automatic Transfer Case With automatic freewheeling hubs, you don’t have to get vehicle to lock or unlock the hubs. &the Locking the Hubs 1. Stop your vehicle. 2. Shift the transfer case to FOUR-WHEEL HIGH (4H) or FOUR-WHEEL LOW (4L). 3, Drive slowly forward and the hubs will lock.
  • Page 74 You can shift from TWO-WHEEL HIGH (2H) TWO-WHEEL HIGH (2H): This setting is for driving HIGH (4H) FOUR-WHEEL or from FOUR-WHEEL in most street and highway situations. Your front axle is HIGH (4H) to HIGH (2H) any speed not engaged in two-wheel drive. TWO-WHEEL if your hubs are locked and your wheels are straight FOUR-WHEEL HIGH (4H):...
  • Page 75 Parking Brake To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down. Pull the parking brake lever up until you can push in the release button. Hold the release button in as you move To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down and the lever all the way down.
  • Page 76 Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic NOTICE: Transmission Models Only) Driving with the parking brake on can cause your rear brakes to overheat. You may have to CAUTION: replace them, and you could also damage other parts of your vehicle. It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the If you are towing a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer”...
  • Page 77 your 1. Hold the brake pedal down with right foot and Leaving Your Vehicle With the set the parking brake. Engine Running (Automatic Transmission Models Only) Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding in the button on lever and pushing the lever all the way toward the front of your vehicle.
  • Page 78 Shifting Out of PARK (P) Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission) (Automatic Transmission) If you are parlung on a hill and you don’t shift your transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the Your Geo has a brake-transmission shift interlock. You vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can the transmission.
  • Page 79 Parking Your Vehicle Parking Over Things That Burn (Manual Transmission) Before you get out of your vehicle, put your manual transmission in REVERSE (R) and firmly apply the parking brake. If you have four-wheel drive, be sure your transfer case is in a drive gear.
  • Page 80 Engine Exhaust tunning Your Engine While You’re ’arked (Automatic Transmission) It’s better not to park with the engine running. But if you ever have to, here are some things to know. Engine exhaust can kill. contains the gas (CO), carbon monoxide which you can’t see or smell.
  • Page 81 If you have four-wheel drive and your transfer case is in NEUTRAL (N), your vehicle will be free to roll, even if your PARK (P). So, be sure the transfer shift lever is in case is in a drive gear (N).
  • Page 82 Windows Manual Windows Use the window crank open and close each door window. Power Windows (Option) 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).
  • Page 83 Horn Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two To sound the horn, press one of the horn symbols on (for downward left) positions. These positions allow your steering wheel. you to signal a turn or a lane change. ?ttm Signal/Multifunction Lever To signal a move the lever a l l the way up...
  • Page 84 Lamps Control Lamps On Reminder If you turn the ignition off, remove the key, open the door and leave the lamps on, a chime will remind you to turn your lamps. Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer First, you must have the headlamps on. For high beams, push the turn signal lever away from you.
  • Page 85 Move the wiper switch to the position you want: Flash-to-Pass OFF: The wipers are off. With the lever in the low-beam position, pull the lever you to momentarily switch to high beam (to towad Intermittent wiper operation. In light rain or snow, signal that you are going to pass).
  • Page 86 Rear Window WipedWasher (Option) Windshield Washer Pull the wiper/washer lever toward you to spray washer To turn on your rear wiper, fluid on the windshield. The spray will continue until push the upper button. Push you release the lever. This will also turn on the low the same button again to wipers.
  • Page 87 Cruise Control (Option) CAUTION: Cruise control can be dangerous where you can't drive safely at a steady speed. don't use your cruise control on winding roads or in heavy traffic. Cruise control can be dangerous " slippery roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire traction can cause needless wheel spinning, and you could lose control.
  • Page 88 Setting Cruise Control 2. Get up to the speed you want. CAUTION: you leave your cruise control switch on when you’re not using cruise, you might hit a button and go into cruise when you don’t want to. You could be startled and even lose control.
  • Page 89 Resuming a Set Speed Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control Suppose you set your cruise control at a desired speed There are two ways to go to a higher speed. This, of then you apply the brake. course, shuts Here’s the first: the cruise control.
  • Page 90 Lamps Using Cruise Control on Hills How well your cruise control will work on hills depends Daytime Running Lamps upon your speed, load and the steepness of the hills. Daytime Running L a p s (DRL) can make it easier for When going up steep hills, you may have to step on the others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
  • Page 91 Interior Lamps Dome Lamp The dome lamp has Instrument Panel Brightness Control three-position switch. This knob controls the brightness of your instrument panel lights. Turn the knob to the right to brighten the lights or to the left to dim them. 1: This position is to the left when sitting in the driver’s seat.
  • Page 92 Outside Manual Adjust Mirrors Mirrors Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror Adjust these mirrors by hand so that you can just see the side of your vehicle when you are sitting in a comfortable driving position. An inside rearview mirror is attached above your windshield.
  • Page 93 Power Remote Control Mirrors (Option) Convex Outside Mirror Your passenger’s side mirror is convex. A convex The switch to control the mirror’s surface is curved so you can see more from the power mirrors is located on driver’s seat. the instrument panel. You can only adjust the mirrors when the ignition switch is CAT-TION:...
  • Page 94 Front Seat Side Pockets Storage Compartments Glove Box To open the glove box, pull the latch toward you. Use your key to lock and unlock the glove box. Door Storage On the outside of each front seat is a storage pocket. door has storage compartment.
  • Page 95 Coinholder and Bin Ashtrays and Lighter To use the lighter, push the lighter in all the way and let go. When it’s ready, it will pop back by itself. NOTICE: Don’t hold a cigarette lighter in with your hand while it heating.
  • Page 96 Pull the door to open the ashtray. To remove it, press Sun Visors down the silver tab and pull the ashtray out. The rear ashtray is on the back of the center console. Pull on the top of the door to open it. To remove the ashtray, press down on the tab and pull it out.
  • Page 97 Convertible Top (Option) NOTICE: (Continued) Your convertible top features a sunroof, a removable rear window, removable side windows and a removable Don’t lower the top if it is damp or wet. canvas top. After the top is down, the trapped water can cause stains, mildew and damage to the inside of your car.
  • Page 98 Opening and Closing Your Sunroof 3. Unhook the from the front top bow. latch 1. Lower your antenna and swing yow sun visors down. 2. Squeeze the front top bow latch buttons and pull the latch back. 2-43...
  • Page 99 4. Swing the front top bow up and back while folding the canvas top out from between the top bow and the roof support. Be sure that you don’t pinch the canvas top between the front top bow arms and the roof rails.
  • Page 100 Unfasten the holding strap near the dome lamp and pull it through the slot in the front top bow. 6. Fasten the holding strap to itself. 7. Push the front top bow latches down until they “click.” 8. Swing your sun visors up and raise your antenna. Reverse the steps to close your sunroof.
  • Page 101 Removing and Installing Your Rear Window The rear window of your vehicle removable. This allows you to open the back opening all the way or to replace the window it becomes deteriorated. To window: remove the rear 1. Open the rear gate all the way. 2.
  • Page 102 Removing and Installing the Side Window To remove the side window: 4. Unzip the zipper the rest of the way and remove the side window. Reverse the steps to install the side window. 1. Unfasten the Velcro@ on the top and rear quarter of the side window.
  • Page 103 Be sure to: Fit the side and rear part of the window into the frame before completely zipping the window. make sure that the front After completing installation, and bottom ends are securely hooked and the rear top Push the inner lip of the canvas top all the way in end of the window is under the canvas top.
  • Page 104 Lowering and Raising the Canvas Top 1. Remove the side windows of the canvas top as shown previously. 2. Open the rear window and hang it down inside the luggage compartment. 4. Unfasten the snaps that secure the canvas top to the roof piece.
  • Page 105 Lower the sun visors 7. Pull back the swing a m , unfasten the five snaps that and push both sides of secure the canvas to the swing arm and remove the the lock buttons on the canvas from the swing arm. front latches.
  • Page 106 10. Lay the front half part of the canvas top onto 12. Lower the top bows. the rear half of the top. Then, fold it forward so it Make sure that the lower top bow rests on the is in “half.” rubber support without pinching any part of the 11.
  • Page 107 14. Fasten the upper top bow with the belt on the driver’s side seat belt shoulder anchor bracket. Lower the folded canvas behind the rear seatback(s). Make sure that the rear seat belts Reverse the steps to raise your canvas top. around the shoulder anchor are clear from the After raising the canvas top, make sure that the canvas folded top.
  • Page 108 3. Unfasten the VelcroB Removing and Installing the Canvas Top fastener. 4. Unsnap the canvas top to remove it all the way. See “Preparing Your Canvas Top for Storage” in this section for the correct storage procedure. 1. Complete the steps listed previously for lowering the canvas top.
  • Page 109 Preparing the Canvas Top fur Storage 2. Fold the side windows top. onto the 1. Lay the canvas top inside-up on a clean, dry, flat surface.
  • Page 110 3. Fold the front part of the canvas top over Roll the canvas top around the rear window. the windows. 6. Store in a clean, dry location. canvas top. 4. Lay the rear window on top the folded...
  • Page 111 Instrument Panel Your Information Svstem 2-56...
  • Page 112 A. Defroster M. Cruise Control ON/OFF Button (Option) Rear Defogger (Option) N. Rear Window Wiper Button (Option) C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever 0. Rear Window Washer Button (Option) D. Power Mirror Control (Option) P. Comfort Controls E. Air Vent Q. Cigarette Lighter E Instrument Panel Brightness Control R.
  • Page 113 Instrument Panel Cluster know at Your instrument cluster is designed to let you glance how your vehicle is You’ll h o w how fast you’re running. going, about how much fuel you have left, and many other you’ll need to know safely and economically.
  • Page 114 Speedometer and Odometer Tachometer Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both miles shows The tachometer per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (h/h). Your engine speed thousands odometer shows how far your vehicle has been driven, revolutions per minute either miles (used in the United States) or kilometers (rpm).
  • Page 115 When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators one of the gages shows when you are driving, or when This part describes the warning lights and gages that there may be a problem, check the section that tells be on your vehicle.
  • Page 116 Charging System Light Air Bag Readiness Light There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument This light will come panel, which shows AIR BAG. The system checks the briefly when you turn on the air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions. The light ignition, but the engine is tells if there is an electrical problem.
  • Page 117 Brake System Warning Light If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the You may road and stop carefully. notice that the pedal Your Geo’s hydraulic brake system divided into two flow. harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the parts.
  • Page 118 Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light (Option) With the anti-lock brake Your regular brake system may not be working system, this light will come properly if the anti-lock brake system warning light when you start your is flashing. Driving with the anti-lock brake system engine and it will stay warning light flashing lead to an accident.
  • Page 119 Anti-Lock Brake’ System Active Engine Coolant Temperature Gage Light (Option) engine This gage shows the coolant temperature. When your anti-lock system gage pointer moves is adjusting brake pressure H (red) side, your engine is to help avoid braking skid, anti-lock brake system active light will come on.
  • Page 120 Malfunction Indicator Lamp NOTICE: (Service Engine Soon Light) Your Geo is equipped with If you keep driving your vehicle with this light a computer which monitors on, after a while, your emission controls may not operation of the fuel, work as well, your fuel economy may not be as ignition and emission SERVICE good and your engine may not run as smoothly.
  • Page 121 If the Light Is Flashing the Light Is On Steady The following may prevent more serious damage to You may be able to correct the emission system your vehicIe: malfunction by considering the following: Reduce vehicle speed. Did you just put fuel into your vehicle? Avoid hard accelerations.
  • Page 122 Oil Pressure Light Have you recently changed brands of fuel? If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel (see If you have a problem with “Fuel” in the Index). Poor fuel quality will cause your your oil, this light may stay engine not to mn as efficiently as designed.
  • Page 123 The oil light could also come on in three other situations. NOTICE: When the ignition is on but the engine not running, w L U &e light. come on as a test to show you it is Damage to your engine from neglected oil working, but the light will go out when you turn the engine to START.
  • Page 124 Fuel Gage Overdrive Off Light (Option) Your fuel gage shows about This light comes on how much fuel is in your when the automatic tank. When the gage first four-speed transmission indicates EMPTY (E), you has been converted to the still have a little fuel left three-speed mode and O/D OFF...
  • Page 125 NOTES 2-70...
  • Page 126 Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems In this section you’ll find out how to operate the comfort Climate Control System control and audio systems offered with your Geo. Be sure to read about the particular systems supplied with your vehicle. Comfort Controls With this system, you can control the heating and in your...
  • Page 127 Air Conditioner Controls (Option) FLOOR: This position directs air toward the floor. DEFOG: This position directs toward the The air conditioning system floor, the windsheld and side windows. uses the same controls as described previously. The DEFROST: This position directs air to the function of each lever is windshield and side windows.
  • Page 128 Ventilation System a i r For normal cooling, push the A/C button and move the intake lever to CIRCULATE. For faster cooling, move the For mild outside temperatures, .when little heating lever to RECIRCULATE. Then move airflow lever to cooling is needed, you can still direct outside air through VENT, the temperature control lever toward the left and your vehicle.
  • Page 129 Ventilation Tips air inlet free of ice, snow or Keep the hood and front as leaves). The heater any other obstruction (such and defroster will work far better, reducing the chance of fogging the inside of your windows. a vehicle in cold weather, move the When you enter a few fan control lever toward the fan symbol for...
  • Page 130 Rear Window Defogger (Option) not attach anything like temporary vehicle license or a decal across the defogger grid the rear window. The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to NOTICE: remove from the rear window. Don’t use a razor blade or something else sharp on the inside of the rear window.
  • Page 131 Audio Systems Setting the Clock for AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player Your Delco@ audio system has been designed to operate easiIy and give years of listening pleasure. You will get and hold RCL-PROC (TIME SET) to set the Press th,e most enjoyment out of it if you acquaint yourself correct hour.
  • Page 132 AM-FM Stereo (Option) Finding Station AM-FM: Press this button to get AM or FM. The lighted display shows your selection. TUNE: Press the right or left arrow to go to a higher or lower station. Press and hold to continue tuning and release when you find your station.
  • Page 133 AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player Setting the Tone (Option) TREB: Turn this knob to the right to hear more treble. BASS: Turn this TREB knob control behind the to the right to hear more bass. Adjusting the Speakers FADE: Turn this knob to move the sound between the front and rear speakers.
  • Page 134 PRESET SCAN: Press this button to hear each of your Finding a Station for a few favorite stations stored your pushbuttons AM-FM: Press this button to get AM, FM1 or FM2. seconds. When you want to stop at a chosen station, The lighted display shows your selection.
  • Page 135 Adjusting the Speakers Press this button to advance rapidly to another part of the tape. Press FF, RCLPROG or EJECT to return to FADE: Turn this knob to move the sound between the playing speed. front and rear speakers. R E W Press this button to reverse the tape rapidly. Press BAL: Turn this control behind the FADE knob to move RCLPROG to return to playing speed.
  • Page 136 Noise Reduction: Press the button with the double-D AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and symbol to remove noise from tapes encoded with Compact Disc Player (Option) Dolby N R . Dolby Noise Reduction is manufactured under a license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
  • Page 137 PSCAN: Press this button to hear each of your favorite Finding a Station stations stored on your pushbuttons for a few seconds. AM-FM: Press this button to get AM, or FM2. When you want to stop at a chosen station, press The lighted display shows your selection.
  • Page 138 Press this button to advance rapidly to another part Adjusting the Speakers FF, RCL or STOP to return to playing of the tape. Press FADE: Turn this knob to move the sound between the speed. If you press RCL, the tape will also change sides. front and rear speakers.
  • Page 139 Noise Reduction: Press the button with the double-B Playing a Compact Disc symbol to remove noise from tapes encoded with Don’t use mini-discs (three-inch singles). They won’t Dolby N R . eject. Use full-size compact discs. Dolby Noise Reduction is manufactured under a license Insert your disc into the CD slot on your audio system.
  • Page 140 Theft-Deterrent Feature REW: Press and hold this button to return rapidly to a favorite passage. Release it to play the passage. AM-FM with The theft-deterrent feature for the stereo Press and hold this button to fast forward cassette tape or compact disc players can be used or or advance quickly within a track.
  • Page 141 and 4 buttons together. Hold them down Press the Disabling the Theft-Deterrent Feature ---- until shows on the display. I f your radio is secured (SEC shows on the display) and you wish to disable it, enter your security code as follows, left or right SEEK arrow, or the left Press the or right...
  • Page 142 Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature After a Understanding Radio Reception Power Loss FM Stereo If power is disrupted to the radio while in the SEC FM stereo will give you the best sound. But FM signals mode, the unit will not work and LOC will show on the will reach only about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km).
  • Page 143 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player To help avoid bearing loss or darnage: Adjust the volume control to the lowest setting. tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes or a damaged Increase volume slowly until hear comfortably mechanism.
  • Page 144 Care of Your Compact Discs Cleaning may be done with a scrubbing action, non-abrasive cleaning cassette with pads which scrub Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases the tape head as the hubs of the cleaner cassette turn. It or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight is normal for the cassette to eject while cleaning.
  • Page 145 NOTES 3-20...
  • Page 146 G e G B Section 4 Your Driving and the Road Defensive Driving The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defensively. Please start with a very important safety device in your Geo: Buckle up. (See “Safety Belts” in the Index.) Defensive driving really means “be ready for anything.’’...
  • Page 147 Drunken Driving The obvious way to solve this highway safety problem is for people never to drink alcohol and then drive. But injury associated with drinlung and driving is Death what if people do? How much is “too much” if the a nationaI tragedy.
  • Page 148 Since alcohol is carried in body water, this means that a woman generally will reach higher BAC level than a man of her same body weight when each has the same number of drinks. The law in many U.S. states sets the legal limit at a BAC of 0.10 percent.
  • Page 149 The body takes about hour to rid itself of the alcohol in one No amount of coffee or number of cold drink. CAUTION: showers will speed that up. “I’ll be careful” isn’t the right answer. What if there’s an emergency, a need to Drinking and then driving is very dangerous.
  • Page 150 Control of a Vehicle Braking Bralung action involves perception time and You have three systems that make your vehicle go where reaction time. you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering and the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal.
  • Page 151 Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in Anti-Lack Brakes (Option) spurts heavy acceleration followed by heavy Your vehicle may have anti-lock brakes (ABS). ABS is braking rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a an advanced electronic braking system that will help mistake.
  • Page 152 The anti-lock system can change the brake pressure faster than any driver could. The computer is programmed to make the most of available tire and road conditions. Here’s how anti-lock works. Let’s say the road is wet. You’re driving safely. Suddenly an animal jumps out in front of you.
  • Page 153 Remember: Anti-lock doesn’t change the time you need Braking in Emergencies get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease At some time, nearly every driver gets into a situation stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in that requires hard braking.
  • Page 154 Steering Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly apply the brakes. Both control systems -- steering and braking Power Steering have to do their work where the tires meet the road. Unless you If you lose power steering assist because the engine have four-wheel anti-lock brakes, adding hard stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but...
  • Page 155 Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can be more effective than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a chlld darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front you.
  • Page 156 Passing Off-Road Recovery You may find sometime that your right wheels have The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on two-lane highway waits for just the right moment, dropped off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goes you’re driving.
  • Page 157 Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to of the right lane to pass. When you are far enough ahead of the passed vehicle to see its front in your pass while you’re awaiting an opportunity. For inside mirror, activate your right lane change signal thing, following too closely reduces your area and move back into the right lane.
  • Page 158 Skidding Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, is on gravel or other material the road. safety, you’ll In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle. these want to slow down and adjust your driving to Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking conditions.
  • Page 159 Driving Guidelines Off-Road Driving with Your Geo Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicle This multipurpose passenger vehicle is defined as a utility vehicle in Consumer Information Regulations This off-road guide is for vehicles that have issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety four-wheel drive. Administration (NHTSA) of the United States Also, see “Anti-Lock Brakes”...
  • Page 160 Before You Go Off-Roading CAUTION: There are some things to do before you go out. For example, be sure to have all necessary maintenance and service work done. Check to make sure all Cargo on the load floor piled higher than so equipped) are properly umaderbody shields the seatbacks can be thrown forward...
  • Page 161 Environmental Concerns Traveling to Remote Areas Off-road driving can provide wholesome and satisfying It makes sense to plan your trip, especially when going to a remote area. Know the terrain and plan your route. recreation. However, it also raises environmental concerns.
  • Page 162 Scanning the Terrain Controlling your vehicle is the key to successful off-road driving. One the best ways to control your Off-road driving can take you over many different vehicle is to control your speed. Here are some things to kinds of terrain. You need to be familiar with the keep in mind.
  • Page 163 In a way, off-road driving requires a different kind of Will you have to stop suddenly or change alertness from driving on paved roads and highways. direction quickly? There are no road signs, posted speed limits or signal When you drive over obstacles or rough terrain, keep lights, You have to use your good judgment about firm grip on the steering wheel.
  • Page 164 Driving on Off-Road Hills 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 Off-road driving often takes you up, down or across a not see this because the crest of the hill is hidden by hill.
  • Page 165 Ease up on your speed as you approach the top of Driving Uphill the hill. Once you decide you can safely drive up the hill, you Attach a flag to the vehicle to make you more visible need to take some special steps. to approaching traffic on trails or hills.
  • Page 166 What should I do if my vehicle stalls, or is about and maneuver as you back down. It’s best that you to stall, and I can’t make it up the hill? back down the hill with your wheels straight rather than in the left or right direction.
  • Page 167 Suppose, after stalling, I try back down the hill and decide I just can’t do it. What CAUTION: should I do? Set the parking brake, put your transmission Shifting the transfer case NEUTRAL (N) can in PARK (P) (or the manual transmission in cause your vehicle to roll even if the transmission FIRST (1)) and turn off the engine.
  • Page 168 Driving Downhill you decide you can go down a hill safely, then try to keep your vehicle headed straight down, use a low When off-roading takes you downhill, you’ll want to gear. This way, engine drag can help your brakes and consider a number of things: they won’t have to do all the work.
  • Page 169 Are there some things I should not do when Am I likely to stall when going downhill? driving down a hill? uphiLl. It’s much more likely to happen going But if it happens going downhill, here’s what to do. Yes! These are important because if you ignore them you could lose control and have a serious accident.
  • Page 170 Driving Across an Incline For reasons like these, you need to decide carefully whether to to b v e across an inche. Just because Sooner or later, off-road trail will probably go across goes across the incline doesn’t mean you have to trail the incline of a hill.
  • Page 171 CAUTION: your vehicle stalls when you’re crossing an incline, be sure you (and your passengers) get out on the uphill side, even if the door there is harder to open. If you get Getting out on the downhill (low) side of a vehicle and the out on the downhill side vehicle starts to roll...
  • Page 172 Driving in Mud, Sand, Snow or Ice Hard packed snow and ice offer the worst tire traction. it’s very these surfaces, easy to lose control. On wet When you drive in mud, snow or sand, your wheels ice, for example, the traction is so poor that you will won’t get good traction.
  • Page 173 Driving in Water CAUTION: Light rain causes no special off-road driving problems. heavy can mean rain flash flooding, and flood waters demand extreme caution. Driving through rushing water can be dangerous. Deep water can sweep your vehicle downstream Find out how deep the water is before you drive through and you and your passengers could drown, If it’s enough to it’s deep...
  • Page 174 Driving at Night Here are some tips on night driving. Drive defensively. Don’t drink drive. Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the glare from headlamps behind you. Since you can’t see as well, you may need to slow down and keep more space between you and other vehicles.
  • Page 175 Night Vision Keep your windshield and all the glass on your vehicle clean inside and out. Glare at night is made much No one can see as well at night as in the daytime. But as worse by dirt on the glass. Even the inside of the glws older these differences increase.
  • Page 176 Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet 1 1 1 road, you can’t stop, accelerate or turn as well because roads. your tire-to-road traction isn’t as good on dry And, if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get even less traction.
  • Page 177 Wet brakes can cause accidents. They won’t work well in a quick stop and may cause pulling to one side. You could lose control of the vehicle. After driving through a large puddle of water or car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly until your brakes work normally.
  • Page 178 Driving Through Deep Standing Water Hydroplaning Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up under your tires that they can actually ride on the water. NOTICE: This can happen if the road is wet enough and you’re going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning, If you drive too quickly through deep puddles or it has little or no contact with the road.
  • Page 179 Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving: City Driving where you Know the best way to get to going. Get a city map and plan your trip into unknown part of the city just as you would for a cross-country trip.
  • Page 180 At the entrance, there usually a ramp that leads to the Freeway Driving freeway. If you have a clear view of the freeway as you drive along the entrance ramp, should begin check traffic. Try to determine where you expect to blend with the flow.
  • Page 181 Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not Here are some things you can check before a trip: to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are going Are all windows clean inside and outside? slower than you actually are.
  • Page 182 Hill and Mountain Roads Highway Hypnosis Is there actually such a condition as “hghway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever. There is something about an easy stretch of road with the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy.
  • Page 183 If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you’re planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make your trips safer and more enjoyable. (See “Off-Road Driving’’ in the Index for information about driving NEUTRAL (N) or with the Coasting downhill in off-road.) ignition off is dangerous.
  • Page 184 Here are some tips for winter driving: Winter Driving 4-39...
  • Page 185 What’s the worst time for this? “Wet ice.” Very cold Driving on Snow or Ice snow or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet Most of the time, those places where your tires meet the can be even more trouble because it may offer the road probably have good traction.
  • Page 186 If You’re Caught in a Blizzard Remember, unless you have anti-lock, if you brake so hard that your wheels stop rolling, you’ll just slide. Brake so your wheels always keep rolling and you can still steer. Whatever your braking system, allow greater following distance on any slippery road.
  • Page 187 Tie a red cloth to your vehicle to alert police that you’ve been stopped by the snow. Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you. If you blankets or extra clothing, make body have Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle. insulators from newspapers, burlap bags, rags, floor This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas mats...
  • Page 188 Towing Your Vehicle from the Rear Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the battery charged.
  • Page 189 Set the parking brake. Towing Your Ve- ‘cle from the Front If your Geo is a four-wheel-drive vehicle, set your manual free-wheeling hubs to FliEE or unlock your automatic freewheeling hubs. See “Four-wheel Drive” in the Index. Turn the ignition key to ACC to unlock the steering wheel.
  • Page 190 If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle with manual NOTICE: freewheeling hubs, it can be towed from the front with all four wheels on the ground. Follow these steps: The front wheels transmit shocks during towing. Set the parking brake. The steering column may not be strong enough to Turn the ignition key to ACC to unlock the withstand the shocks.
  • Page 191 Loading Your Vehicle MFD BY CAM1 AUTOMOTIVE CANADA DATE GVWR GAWR FRT GAWR RR TIRE PLACARD IGWR FRTI GAWR RR LBIKg TIRES RIMS INFLATION PRESSURE COLD PSl/kPa label is the Certification label, also found on other Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it the driver's door lock pillar.
  • Page 192 CAUTION: CAUTION: Do not load your vehicle any heavier than nside your vehicle can strike GVWR, or either the maximum front or and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or rear GAWR. If you do, parts an your vehicle a crash.
  • Page 193 Towing a Trailer Your vehicle can tow a trailer. identify what the your vehicle trailering capacity is for vehicle, you should read the information in “Weight of the Trailer” that appears later in this section. But trailering is CAUTION: different than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes handling, durability and I f you don’t use the correct equipment and drive...
  • Page 194 Customer Assistance Department heavier loads. Chevrolet/Geo If you have an automatic transmission, you should use P.O. Box 7047 DRIVE (D) (or, as you need to, a lower gear) when Troy, MI 48007-7047 towing a trailer.
  • Page 195 Weight of the Trailer Tongue If you’re using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10 percent of the total loaded The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important trailer weight (B). If you have a weight-distributing weight to measure because it affects the total or gross hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 12 percent of weight of your vehicle.
  • Page 196 Hitches Trailer Brakes more It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment. 1,000 (450 kg) If your trailer weighs than lbs. Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are a loaded, then it needs its own brakes they must be few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch.
  • Page 197 Driving with a Trailer Following Distance Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Stay at least twice as behind the vehicle ahead as you Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This to know your rig.
  • Page 198 Making Turns When towing a trailer, the green arrow’s on your instrument panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may thlnk drrvers NOTICE: behind you are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still working.
  • Page 199 Parking on Hills CAUTION: You really should not park your vehicle, with a trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes wrong, your rig move. could start to People can be injured, and both It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if damaged.
  • Page 200 When You Are Ready to Leave After Maintenance When Trailer Towing Parking on a Hill Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more 1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down on this.
  • Page 201 NOTES 4-56...
  • Page 202 Section 5 Problems on the Road Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They Here you’ll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road. also let police know you have a problem. Your front and rear turn signal lamps ,will flash on and off.
  • Page 203 Other Warning Devices NOTICE: If you carry reflective triangles, you can set one up at the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind Ignoring these steps could result in costly your vehicle. damage to your vehicle that wouldn’t be covered Jump Starting by your warranty.
  • Page 204 NOTICE: NOTICE: If the other system isn’t a 12-volt system with a If you leave your radio on, it could be badly negative ground, both vehicles be damaged. damaged. The repairs wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. 2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touching 4.
  • Page 205 Check that the jumper cables don’t have loose missing insulatiofi. If they do, you could get a shock. The vehicles could be damaged, too. Using a match near a battery can cause battery gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this, and some have been blinded.
  • Page 206 7. Don’t let the other end touch metal. Connect it to the positive terminal of the good battery. Use a remote positive (+> terminal if the vehicle has one. Now connect the black negative (-> cable to 6. Positive goes to positive and negative the good battery’s goes to negative...
  • Page 207 12. Remove the cables in reverse order to prevent electrical shorting. Take care that they don’t touch each other or any other metal. 9. The other end of the negative cable doesn’t go to the dead battery. It goes to a heavy unpainted metal part on the engine of the vehicle with the dead battery.
  • Page 208 Towing Your Vehicle CAUTION: Try to have a Chevrolet/Geo dealer or a professional towing service tow your Geo. See “Roadside Assistance” in the Index. To help avoid injury to you or others: Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that is...
  • Page 209 When your vehicle is being towed, have the ignition key turned to the position. The steering wheel should be clamped in a straight-ahead position, with a clamping device designed for towing service. Do not use the vehicle’s steering column lock for this. The transmission and transfer if you have one, should be in case,...
  • Page 210 A towing dolly must be used under the drive wheels when towing from the fvont. Position a 4” x 4” wood beam across the sling chains and against the lower control arm front attachment brackets. Position the lower sling crossbar in front and Attach J-hook chains on both sides to the rear of lower against the 4”...
  • Page 211 front wheels A towing dolly must be used under the when towing from the reur. Attach a separate safety chain around the outboard end of each lower control arm. Attach J-hooks around the axle tube. Rear Towing If your vehicle has four-wheel drive, don't have it towed NOTICE: on the front wheels unless you must.
  • Page 212 Attach a separate safety chain around the end of each axle, inboard of the spring. Position the sling crossbar under and forward of the rear bumper.
  • Page 213 Engine Overheating You will find a coolant temperature gage on your Geo instrument panel. Steam from an overheated engine can burn you If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away from the engine you see or hear steam coming from it.
  • Page 214 I f you If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine no longer have the overheat warning, you can dnve. Just to be safe, drive slower for about minutes. If you get the overheat warning but see or hear no come warning doesn’t back...
  • Page 215 When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what you’ll see: CAUTION: An electric fan under the hood can start up even when the engine is not running and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan.
  • Page 216 Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine parts, can be very hot. Don’t touch them. If you do, you can be burned. Don’t run the engine if there is a leak. If you run the engine, it could lose coolant. That could cause an engine fire, and you could be burned.
  • Page 217 How to Add Coolant to the Coolant NOTICE: Recovery Tank If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the isn’t at or above the FULL mark, add a 50/50 mixture engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
  • Page 218 You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine. When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at or above the FULL mark start your vehicle.
  • Page 219 Steam scalding liquids from a hot cooling system can blow out and burn you badly. They are under pressure, and if you turn the radiator pressure cap even a little they can come out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap, is hot.
  • Page 220 How to Add Coolant to the Rac Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap. ’ You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot.
  • Page 221 3. Fill the radiator with the proper mix, up to the base 4. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the of the filler neck. FULL mark. 5. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but leave the radiator pressure cap off. 5-20...
  • Page 222 Then replace pressure cap. during time 6. Start the engine and run until you can feel let it this procedure if coolant begins to flow out of the upper radiator getting hot. Watch out for the hose filler neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure the engine fan.
  • Page 223 ’ If a Tire Goes Plat CAUTION: It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving, especiaIIy if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes out of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak put slowly. Changing a tire can cause an injury.
  • Page 224 re Tire and RemovinL The jack and wheel wrench are under the front The following steps will tell you how to use the jack and passenger’s seat. change a tire. 5-23...
  • Page 225 The jack handle is under the driver’s seat. The tools you’ll be using include the jack (A), jack handle (B) and wheel wrench (C). Attach the jack handle to the jack. Turn the jack handle to the right to raise the lift head.
  • Page 226 Insert your key into the wheel lock on spare tire The spare tire is mounted on your tailgate. Pull the cover pull the wheel lock off. off of the spare tire. 5-25...
  • Page 227 Remove wheel nuts with the wheel wrench. Remove the spare tire from the mounting bracket and place it near your flat tire. loosen all the wheel nuts. Using the wheel wrench, jack handle to the jack bolt. Turn jack Attach the Don’t remove them yet.
  • Page 228 4.7l' CAUTION: (1 20 mm) Getting under a vehicle.when it is jacked up is dangerous. If the vehicle slips off the jack, you could be badly injured killed. Never get under a vehicle when it is supported only by a jack. NOTICE: Raising your vehicle with the jack improperly positioned will damage the vehicle or may allow...
  • Page 229 4. Remove all the wheel nuts and take off the flat tire. 5. Remove any rust or dirt from the wheel bolts, 3. Raise the vehicle by turning the jack handle clockwise. mounting surfaces and Raise the vehicle far enough off the ground so there is spare wheel.
  • Page 230 CAUTIQN: Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts to can make the wheel nuts which it is fastened, become loose after a time. The wheel could come off and cause an accident. When you change a wheel, remove any rust or from the places dirt where the wheel attaches to the vehicle.
  • Page 231 Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a criss-cross sequence as shown. 7. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle counterclockwise. Lower the jack completely. 5-30...
  • Page 232 lat or Spare Tire and Tools Storing a CAUTION: Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become loose Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the and even come off. This could lead to an accident. passenger compartment of the vehicle could Be sure to use the correct wheel nuts.
  • Page 233 Replace the jack, jack handle and wheel wrench. 1. Front Passenger’s Seat 2. Jack 3. Clamp 4. Wrench 5. Jack Handle 6. Driver’s Seat 5-32...
  • Page 234 If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice NOTICE: or Snow What you don’t want to do when your vehicle is stuck is Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your to spin your wheels too fast. The method known as vehicle as well as the tires.
  • Page 235 Rocking your vehicle to.get it out: Using the Recovery Hooks First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will clear the area around your front wheels. Then shift back and forth between and a forward gear REVERSE (or with a manual transmission, b’etween FIRST (1) or SECOND (2) and spinning the wheels REVERSE(R)),...
  • Page 236 CAUTION: The recovery hooks, when used, are under a lot of out. Never force. Always pull the vehicle straight pull on the hooks at sideways angle. The hooks could break off and you or others could be injured from the chain or cable snapping back. NOTICE: Never use the recovery hooks to tow the vehicle.
  • Page 237 NOTES 5-36...
  • Page 238 GEtB Section 6 Service and Appearance Care Here you will find information about the care of your Geo. Doing Your Own Service Work ?ibis section begins with service and fuel mformation, and If you want to do some of your own service work, you’ll then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant want to get the proper Geo Service Manual.
  • Page 239 Fuel CAUTION: Use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher. m i n i m u m , At a it should meet specifications ASTM D4814 in the United States and CGSB 3.5-M93 in You can be injured and your vehicle could be cana$a Improved gasoline specifications have been developed by damaged if you try to do service work on a...
  • Page 240 That damage wouldn’t panel may turn on. If this happens, return to your be covered under your warranty. authorized Chevrolet/Geo dealer for service.
  • Page 241 Fuels in Foreign Countries Filling Your Tank you plan on driving in another country outside the United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard to find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly repairs caused by use of improper fuel wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.
  • Page 242 When you put the cap back on, turn it to the right until The cap is behind a hinged door on the passenger’s side you hear at least three clicks. Make sure you fully install your vehicle. On four-door models, use the key to the cap.
  • Page 243 Checking Things Under the Hood CAUTICV: An electric fan under the hood can start up and injure you even when the engine is not running. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan. Don’t reach through the grille to release the underhood lever.
  • Page 244 Then go to the front of the vehicle, pull up on the hood, push the hood release lever to your left. Lift the hood, release the hood prop from its retainer and put the hood prop into the slot in the hood.
  • Page 245 you open When the hood, you’ll see the following: E Automatic Transmission Dipstick (if equipped) A. Windshield Washer Reservoir B. Engine Coolant Reservoir G. Oil Fill Cap Fuse Box H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir C. Main I. Brake Fluid Reservoir D.
  • Page 246 It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on. get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground. Then lift the hood to relieve pressure on the hood prop.
  • Page 247 Checking Engine Oil When to Add Oil Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or If the oil is at or below the ADD mark, then you’ll need iApBrh, then push back in the way. Remove again, to add some oil.
  • Page 248 What Kind of Oil to Use RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT LOWEST looking for the “Starburst” symbol. This symbol SAE VISCOSITY GRADE OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE. indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API).
  • Page 249 As shown in the chart, SAE 5W-30 is best for your When to Change Engine Oil vehicle. However, you can use SAE 1OW-30 if it’s going See if any one of these is true for you: to be 0°F (-1 “C) or above.
  • Page 250 What to Do with Used Oil Air Cleaner Did you know that used engine oil contains certain elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand cleaner.
  • Page 251 Air Filter Replacement To check or replace the filter: Remove the screws Operating the engine with the air cleaner off can on the cover. cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner Lift the cover up. not only cleans the air, it stops flame if the engine backfires.
  • Page 252 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 50,000 miles (83 000 if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32”...
  • Page 253 How to Check To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal operating temperature, which is 180°F to 200 "F Because this operation can be a little difficult, you (82°C to 93°C). may choose to have t,his done at your Geo dealership Service Department.
  • Page 254 Then, without shutting the engine, follow Checking the Fluid Hot or Cold these steps: Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine running. Pull out the dipstick With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever and wipe it with a clean i n PARK (P).
  • Page 255 How to Add Fluid Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind transmission fluid to use. See “Recommended Huids and Lubricants” in the Index. Add fluid only after checking the transmission fluid 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.
  • Page 256 Manual Transmission Fluid NOTICE: When to Check and Change Too much or too little fluid can damage your A good time to have it checked is when the engine transmission. Too much can mean that some of oil is changed. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine determine when to change your transmission fluid.
  • Page 257 How to Add Fluid Then, follow these steps: Here’s how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance of fluid to use. See Schedule to determine what kind “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” 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.
  • Page 258 How to Check Lubricant Clutch Adjustment The clutch linkage in your vehicle should be checked as recommended your Maintenance Schedule. To check, push the clutch pedal down with your hand until you feel some resistance to movement of the pedal. pedal moves freely up to inch mm) or so before...
  • Page 259 Four-wheel Drive How to Check Lubricant Most lubricant checks in th’is 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 deternine how often to check the lubricant and when to change it.
  • Page 260 What to Use How to Check Lubricant Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of lubricant to use. See “Recommended,Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index. 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 “Periodic Maintenance Inspections”...
  • Page 261 What to Use What to Use clean water Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what Use a mixture of one-half (preferably W of lubricant to use. See “Recommended Fluids and distilled) and one-half antifreeze that meets Specification 1825-M, which won’t damage aluminum Lubricants”...
  • Page 262 Checking Coolant NOTICE: If you use an improper coolant mix, your engine could overheat and be badly damaged. The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Too much water in the mix can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
  • Page 263 Radiator Pressure Cap / t ! CAUTION: NOTICE: lhrning the radiator pressure cap when the engine and radiator hot can allow steam and, Your radiator cap is a 13 psi (90 kPa) scalding liquids to blow out and burn badly. pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to With the coolant recovery tank, you will almost prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage...
  • Page 264 How To Check Power Steering Fluid Power Steering Fluid When the engine compartment is cool, unscrew the and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the 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.
  • Page 265 Windshield Washer Fluid What to Use When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be your vehicle in an area where the temperature operating may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient protection against freezing.
  • Page 266 Brakes NOTICE: Brake Fluid When using concentrated washer fluid, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding water. Don’t mix water with ready-to-use washer fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze and damage your washer fluid tank and other parts of the washer system. Also, water doesn’t clean as well as washer fluid.
  • Page 267 sooner system fixed, since a leak means that or later your Checking Brake Fluid all. brakes won’t work well, or won’t work at You can check the So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your brake fluid. brake fluid without Adding brake fluid won’t correct a leak.
  • Page 268 What to Add NOTICE: When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake such as Delco Supreme 11 (GM Part fluid Using the wrong fluid can badly damage No. 1052535). Use new brake fluid from a sealed brake system parts. For example, just a few container only, and alvir-ays clean the brake fluid reservoir cap before removing drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine...
  • Page 269 Brake Wear Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly applied. Your Geo has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. This does not mean something is wrong with your brakes, Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a of brake calipers and properly torqued Free movement...
  • Page 270 Brake Adjustment Battery Every time you make a brake stop, your disc brakes Every new Geo has a Delco Freedom@ battery. You adjust for wear. never have to add water to one of these. M e n it’s time for a new battery, we recommend a Delco Freedom Replacing Brake System Parts shown battery.
  • Page 271 Bulb Replacement Headlamps replace headlamp bulb: See “Replacement Bulbs” the Index to check the size and type of bulb you need to use. 1. Open the hood. Halogen Bulbs 2. Push in on both sides of the electrical connector. Then pull up and rearward, to disconnect it from the bulb.
  • Page 272 4. Pull the lock ring and the headlamp straight out. 3. Turn the lock ring counterclockwise to release Save the lock ring and use with the new bulb. the bulb. 5. Reverse the steps with new bulb. 6-35...
  • Page 273 Front Parking and Turn Signal Lamps 3. Push the bulb in, turn pull it to counterclockwise and out. To replace the parking and turn signal bulb: 4. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. 1. Open the hood. 2. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and pull it out of the lamp housing.
  • Page 274 Sidemarker Lamps To replace the sidemarker bulb: 1. Push the sidemarker housing toward the back of the vehicle to release the clip and pull out the front edge. The housing should pull away from the vehicle. 3 . Pull the bulb out of the socket. 4.
  • Page 275 Rear Combination Lamps Rear Sidemarker Lamps To replace the rear sidemarker bulb: Remove the screw (hardtop only). Pull the sidemarker lamp housing out at the back edge. Turn the socket toward the rear of the vehicle and pull it out. Pull the bulb out of the socket.
  • Page 276 Disconnect the bulb from its socket by twisting and then pulling the bulb out. 3. Reverse the steps with a new bulb.
  • Page 277 CAUTION: We don’t make tires. Your new Geo comes with high-quality tires made by a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions about your tire warranty and Poorly maintained and improperly used tires where to obtain service, see your Geo Warranty booklet are dangerous.
  • Page 278 Tire Pressure Inflation NOTICE: (Continued) The Tire-Loading Information label, which is on the driver’s door lock pillar, shows the correct inflation If your tires have too much air (overinflation), pressures for your tires when they’re cold. “Cold” you can get the following: means your vehicle has been sitting for at least three Unusual wear hours or driven no more than 1 mile...
  • Page 279 Tire Inspection and Rotation 8,000 Tires should be inspected every 6,000 to miles (IO OOO 13 000 k m ) for any signs of unusual wear. If unusual wear is present, rotate your tires as soon as possible and check wheel alignment. Also check for or wheels.
  • Page 280 It’s When Time for New Tires After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire-Loading One way to tell when it’s Information label. Make certain that all wheel nuts are time for new tires is to properly tightened.
  • Page 281 Buying New Tires To find out what kind and .size of tires you need, look at the Tire-Loading Information label. Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while The tires installed on your vehicle when it was new had driving.
  • Page 282 Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based While the tires available on General Motors passenger braking (straightahead) traction tests and does not may vary cars and light trucks with respect to these include cornering (turning) traction, grades, they must also conform to Federal safety requirements and additional General Motors Tire Temperature A, B, C...
  • Page 283 Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance the right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for your Geo model. wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life and best overall performance. In most cases, you will not need to have your wheels aligned again.
  • Page 284 Tire Chains Used Replacement Wheels NOTICE: CAUTION: Use tire chains only where legal and only when Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is must. Use only SAE Class “S” type chains dangerous. You can’t know how it’s been used or that are the proper size for your tires.
  • Page 285 says you Appearance Care Don’t use any of these unless this manual can. In many uses, these will damage your vehicle: Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some Alcohol are toxic. Others can burst into flame if you strike a match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle.
  • Page 286 Using Foam-Type Cleaner on Fabric Using Solvent-Type Cleaner on Fabric 1. Vacuum and brush the area to remove any First, see if you have to use solvent-type cleaner at all. loose dirt. Some spots and stains will clean off better with just water and mild soap.
  • Page 287 Special Cleaning Problems 3. If odor lingers after cleaning vomit or urine, with a treat the area waterbaking soda solution: Greasy or Oily Stains 1 teaspoon (5 (250 m l ) of baking soda to 1 cup of lukewarm water. Stains caused by grease, oil, butter, margarine, shoe polish, coffee with cream, chewing gum, cosmetic 4.
  • Page 288 Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel Glass Use only mild soap and water to clean the top surfaces Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner of the instrument panel. Sprays containing silicones or Part No. 1050427) or a liquid household glass cleaner waxes may cause annoying reflections in the windshield will remove normal tobacco smoke and dust films.
  • Page 289 Clean the blade by wiping vigorously with a cloth that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning agents soaked in full-strength windshield washer solvent. Then should be flushed promptly and not allowed to dry on rinse the blade with water. the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish with soft, clean chamois or a 100% cotton towel to avoid Wiper blades should be checked on a regular basis and surface scratches and water spotting.
  • Page 290 Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other Special Care for Canvas Top and salts, melting agents, road and tar, tree sap, bird Plastic Windows droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., damage your vehicle’s finish if they remain on painted To protect the canvas top: possible.
  • Page 291 Don’t put any labels, stickers or tape on windows. Tires It’s hard to remove adhesives left on the window To clean your tires, use a stiff brush with a tire cleaner. when such items are removed. If a sticker or label must removed, remove any adhesive left on the window while the adhesive is still soft and sticky.
  • Page 292 Finish Damage Chemical Paint Spotting stone chips, fractures or deep scratches the finish Some weather and atmospheric conditions create chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon and should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode quickly and may develop into a major repair expense. attack painted surfaces on your vehicle.
  • Page 293 Appe,arance Care Materials Chart 6-56...
  • Page 294 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Service Parts Identification Label You’ll find this label inside the glove box the door. It’s very helpful if you ever need to order parts. On this label is: your VIN, SAMPLE4UXTM072675 ’ the model designation, E N G I N E A G ASSEMBLY CODE MODEL YEAR...
  • Page 295 Instrument Panel Fuse Block Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to add anything electrical to your Geo, see “Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Geo” in the Index. Fuses and Circuit Breakers The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from short circuits by fuses, circuit breakers and thermal links in the wiring itself.
  • Page 296 Fuse Usage ......l . . . Empty 2 ........Empty .
  • Page 297 Main Fuse Block Fuse Usage ....BATT All Electrical Load ....Anti-Lock Brake System The main fuse box in your engine compartment protects .
  • Page 298 Replacement Bulbs Number Bulb Number Bulb ..........License Plate Back-up 1156 ....GM Part No.
  • Page 299 Capacities and Specifications Replacement Parts ....Engine Air Cleaner Filter 13780-58B20 GM Part No. 96068629 or equivalent ....... Type ......Battery 26R-50s ..Compression Ratio 9.5:l .
  • Page 300 Manual Transmission Capacities (Approximate) ..Four-wheel Drive 1.6 quarts (1.5 L)** The following approximate capacities are given in ..Two-Wheel Drive 2.0 quarts (1.9 L)** English and metric conversions.
  • Page 301 Air Conditioning Refrigerants Vehicle Dimensions Wheelbase Not all air conditioning refrigerants'are the same..If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs Two-Door Convertible (2 200 86.6 inches refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant is used..Four-Door Hardtop 97.6 inches (2 480 If you're not sure, ask your Geo dealer.
  • Page 302 NOTWS 6-65...
  • Page 303 NOTES 6-66...
  • Page 304 Section 7 Maintenance Schedule Introduction I M PORTANT:' Your Vehicle and the Environment KEEP ENGINE OIL AT THE PROPER Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your EVEL AND CHANGE AS vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the RECOMMEND.ED environment.
  • Page 305 How This Section is Organized “Part B: Owner Checks and Services” tells you what should be checked whenever you stop for fuel. It also The remainder of this section divided into five parts: explains what you can easily do to help keep your vehicle in good condition.
  • Page 306 Part A: Scheduled Maintenance The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in Part Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses Services these. All parts should be replaced and all necessary repairs done before you or anyone else drives Using Your Maintenance Schedule the vehicle.
  • Page 307 Maintenance Schedule Short TriplCity Definition Short TriplCity Intervals Follow the Short. Trip/City Maintenance Schedule if any Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter one of these conditions is true for your vehicle: Change (or 3 months, whichever occurs first). Free-Wheeling Hubs Inspection (if equipped) to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
  • Page 308 Maintenance Schedule Short Trip/City Intervals Short Trip/City Intervals Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic At 90,000 Miles (150 000 km): Camshaft Timing Transmission Service (severe conditions only). Positive Belt Inspection. Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve Replacement. Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Fuel Injector Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Timing Inspection.
  • Page 309 Maintenance Schedule Lo'ng Trip/Highway Definition Long Trip/Highway Intervals Follow this maintenance schedule only if none of the Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km): Engine Oil and Filter conditions from the Short TripjCity Maintenance Change (or every 7.5 months, whichever occurs first). Schedule is true.
  • Page 310 Maintenance Schedule Long TriplHighway Intervals Long Trip/Highway Intervals Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic At 90,000 Miles (150 000 km): Camshaft Timing Transmission Service (severe conditions only). Belt Inspection. Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Fuel Injector Valve Replacement.
  • Page 311 Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule 3,000 Miles (5 000 km). Change engine oil and filter (or every The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles (1 66 000 should be performed after 100,000 miles 3 months, whichever occurs first). (166 000 k m ) at the sarne intervals.
  • Page 312 Short TriplCity Maintenance Schedule 6,000 Miles (10 000 km) 9,000 Miles (15 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every Change engine oil and filter (or every months, whichever occurs first). months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Service.
  • Page 313 Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule I2,OOO Miles (20 000 km) 15,000 Miles (25 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every Change engine oil and filter (or every occurs months, whichever first). months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Service..
  • Page 314 Short Triplcity Maintenance Schedule 18,000 Miles (30 000 km) !i3 Inspect the locking front hubs (if equipped) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). for correct operation (or every 3 months, An Emission Control Service. whichever occurs first).
  • Page 315 Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule 21,000 Miles (35 000 km) 24,000 Miles 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Service.
  • Page 316 )p/City Maintenance Schedule 30,000 Miles (50 000 km) 27,000 Miles 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Service.
  • Page 317 Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule 30,000 Miles (50 000 km) (Continued) Replace spark plugs. Check engine idle speed and adjust it An Emission Control Service. to underhood label specifications. Replace air cleaner filter. Emission Control Service.? An Emission Control Service. Inspect the locking front hubs (if equipped) Inspect fuel tank, cap and lines for damage or for correct operation (or every 3 months, leaks.
  • Page 318 (iTrip/City Maintenance Schedule 36,000 Miles (60 000 33,000 Miles (55 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Service.
  • Page 319 Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule 39,000 Miles 000 km) 42,000 Miles (70 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Service.
  • Page 320 Short TriplCity Maintenance Schedule 45,000 Miles (75 000 km) Inspect the loclung front hubs (if equipped) Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whxhever occurs first). for correct operation (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). Repair or replace An Emission Control Service.
  • Page 321 Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule 48,000 Miles (80 000 km) 50,000 Miles (83 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every Replace Positive Crankcase Ventilation months, whichever occurs first). (PCV) valve. worn, Replace any plugged or An Emission Control Service. collapsed hoses.
  • Page 322 Short TriplCity Maintenance Schedule 54,000 Miles (90 000 km) 51,000 Miles 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Service.
  • Page 323 ~ - 1 Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule 57,000 Miles (95 000 km) 60,000 Miles (100 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service.
  • Page 324 Short TriplCity Maintenance Schedule Replace spark plug wires (or every Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern 60 months, whichever occurs first). additional information. During tire rotation, An Emission Control Service. check brake calipers for fieedom of movement. Inspect the underhood wiring harness Refer to the appropriate GM service manual for for loose connections, chafed wires and...
  • Page 325 Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule 63,000 Miles (105 000 km) 60,000 Miles (100 000 (Continued) Adjust engine timing to underhood label Change engine oil and filter (or every specifications. Inspect the inside and outside 3 months, whichever occurs first). of the distributor cap and rotor for cracks, An Emission Control Service.
  • Page 326 Short TriplCity Maintenance Schedule 69,000 Miles (115 000 km) 66,000 Miles (110 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Service.
  • Page 327 Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule 72,000 Miles (120 000 km) 75,000 Miles (125 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every Change engine oil and filter (or every months, whichever occurs first). months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Service.
  • Page 328 Short TriplCity Maintenance Schedule Miles (130 000 km) 78,000 Change engine oil and filter (or every Inspect the locking front hubs (if equipped) 3 months, whichever occurs first). for correct operation (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). Repair or replace An Emission Control Service.
  • Page 329 Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule 81,000 Miles (135 000 km) 84,000 Miles (140 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every Change engine oil and filter (or every months, whichever occurs first). months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. An Emission Con’trol Service.
  • Page 330 Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule 90,000 Miles (I50 000 km) 87,000 Miles (145 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every Change engine oil and filter (or every months, whichever occurs first). months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Service.
  • Page 331 Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule 90,000 Miles (150 km) (Continued) Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or otate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotatio in the Index for proper rotation pattern and every 30 months, whichever occurs first). additional information. During tire rotation, See “Engine Coolant”...
  • Page 332 Short TriplCity Maintenance Schedule 93,000 Miles (155 000 km) Inspect propeller shafts and u-joints for Change engine oil and filter (or every looseness and damage (or every months, 3 months, whichever occurs first). whichever occurs first). Inspect more An Emission Control Sewice. frequently if used off-road or for pulling Inspect the locking front hubs (if equipped) a trailer.
  • Page 333 Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule 96,000 Miles (160 000 km) 99,000 Miles (165 800 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every Change engine oil and filter (or every months, whichever occurs first). 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Sewice.
  • Page 334 Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule 100,000 Miles (166 000 km) Change automatic transmission fluid and Replace Po sitive Cranl ltcase Ventilation filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under (PCV) valve. Replace any worn, plugged or one or more of these conditions: collapsed hoses.
  • Page 335 Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles (166 000 krn) should be performed after 100,000 miles months, whichever occurs first). (166 000 km) at the same intervals.
  • Page 336 Long TriplHighway Maintenance Schedule 15,000 Miles (25 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every Check engine idle speed and adjust it to 7.5 months, whichever occurs first). underhood label specifications. An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Service.? Rotate tires.
  • Page 337 Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule 22,500 Miles (37 500 kmj 30,000 Miles 000 kmj Change engine oil and filter (or every Change engine oil and filter (or every months, whichever occurs first). months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Service. Rotate tires.
  • Page 338 Long TriplHighway Maintenance Schedule Q Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or Change manual transmission fluid (or every every 30 months, whichever occurs first). 30 months, whxhever occurs first). See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for Replace fuel filter (or every 30 months, what to use.
  • Page 339 Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule 37,500 Miles (62 500 km) 30,000 Miles (50 000 (Continued) Check engine idle speed and adjust it to Change engine oil and filter (or every months, whichever occurs first). underhood label specifications. An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Service.? Rotate tires.
  • Page 340 Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule 45,000 Miles (75 000 km) Check engine idle speed and adjust it to Change engine oil and filter (or every months, whichever occurs first). underhood label specifications. An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Sewice.? Inspect propeller shafts and u-joints for Rotate tires.
  • Page 341 Long TriplHighway Maintenance Schedule 50,000 Miles (83 000 km) Change automatic transmission fluid and Replace Positive Crankcase Ventilation filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under (PCV) valve. Replace any worn, plugged or one or more of these conditions: collapsed hoses. An Emission Control Service.
  • Page 342 Long TripYHighway Maintenance Schedule 52,500 Miles (87 500 km) 60,000 Miles (100 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every Change engine oil and filter (or every months, whichever occurs first). first). months, whichever occurs An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Service.
  • Page 343 Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule 60,000 Miles (100 000 km) (Continued) Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or Change manual transmission fluid (or every every months, whichever occurs first). months, whichever occurs first). See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for Replace fuel filter (or every 30 months, what to use.
  • Page 344 Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule Adjust engine timing to underhood label Replace the camshaft timing belt. specifications. Inspect the inside and An Emission Control Service. outside of the distributor cap and rotor for Replace spark plug wires (or every cracks, carbon tracking and corrosion. 60 months, whichever occurs first).
  • Page 345 67,500 Miles (112 75,000 Miles (125 000 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every Change engine oil and filter (or every 7.5 months, whichever occurs first). months, whichever occurs first). An Ernissiun Control Service. An Emission Control Service. Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and tires.
  • Page 346 Long TriplHighway Maintenance Schedule 82,500 Miles (137 500 km) Change engine oil and filter (or every Check engine idle speed and adjust it to 7.5 months, whichever occurs first). underhood label specifications. An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Service.? Rotate tires.
  • Page 347 Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule 90,000 Miles (150 000 km) Replace spark plugs. Change engine oil and filter (or every months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. An Emission Control Service. Replace air cleaner filter. Clean and repack the front wheel bearings An Emission Control Service.
  • Page 348 Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule 97,500 Miles (1 62 500 k ‘c1 Check engine idle speed and adjust it to Change engine oil and filter (or every underhood label specifications. months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service.? An Emission Control Service. Inspect propeller shafts and u-joints for “Tire Rotate tires.
  • Page 349 Long Trip/Highway Maintenance Schedule 100,000 Miles (1 66 000 km) Change automatic, transmission fluid and Replace Positive Crankcase Ventilation filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under (PCV) valve. Replace any worn, plugged or one or more of these conditions: collapsed hoses.
  • Page 350 Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check Part B: Owner Checks and Services Check the windshield washer fluid level Listed below are owner checks and services which windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if should be performed at the intervals specified to help necessary.
  • Page 351 At Least Twice a Year Automatic Transmission Check Check the transmission fluid level; add if needed. See Restraint System Check “Automatic Transmission” in the Index. A fluid IOSS may Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your indicate a problem. Check the system and repair if needed. belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are At Least Once a Year working properly.
  • Page 352 Starter Switch Check Brake-Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Check (Automatic Transmission) When you are doing this check, the vehicle could When doing this check, the vehicle could does, others you are move suddenly. If it you or could move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be injured.
  • Page 353 Steering Column Lock Check Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the While parked, and with the parking brake set, try turn parking brake. the key to LOCK in each shift lever position. To check the parking brake: With the engine running With an automatic transmission, the key should turn and transmission in NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove...
  • Page 354 Exhaust System Inspection Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged, Listed below are inspections and services which should missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams, be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each holes, loose connections, or other conditions which spring and fall).
  • Page 355 Throttle Linkage Inspection Brake System Inspection Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding, Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and and for damage or missing parts. Replace parts as hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, needed. Replace any cables that have high effort or chafing, Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors etc.
  • Page 356 Part D: Recommended Fluids and FLUIDlLUBRICANT USAGE Lubricants Hydraulic Brake Delco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 1052535 or System NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid). part number or specification may be obtained from your GM dealer.
  • Page 357 USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT USAGE FLUINLUBRICANT Manual Chassis lubricant (GM Part Windshield Optikleen@ Washer Solvent No. 1052497 or equivalent) or Transmission No. 105 15 15) or Washer Solvent (GM Part Shift Linkage lubricant meeting requirements equivalent. of NLGI Grade 2, Category LB Hood Latch Lubriplate lubricant aerosol (GM or GC-LB.
  • Page 358 Part E: Maintenance Record Services” or “Periodic Maintenance” can be added on After the scheduled services are performed, record the the following record pages. Also, you should retain all date, odometer reading and who performed the service in the boxes provided after the maintenance interval. maintenance receipts.
  • Page 359 Maintenance Record. 7-56...
  • Page 360 Maintenance Recora ODOMETER DATE SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED READING 7-57...
  • Page 361 Maintenance Record ODOMETER 7-58...
  • Page 362 G e G B Section 8 Customer Assistance Information Customer Satisfaction Procedure Here you will find out how to contact Chevrolet/Geo if you need assistance. This section also tells you how obtain service publications and how to report any safety defects.
  • Page 363 In Mexico: (525) 625-3256 information to promptly address any issue which may In Puerto Rico: 1-800-496-9992 (English) or arise. Chevrolet/Geo has empowered its dealers to make 1-800-496-9993 (Spanish) any decisions and repair vehicles, and they eager to resolve your concern to your complete satisfaction.
  • Page 364 Vehicle delivery date and present mileage To assist customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired and who use Text Telephones (TTYs), Nature of concern Chevrolet/Geo has TTY equipment available at its We encourage give your inquiry to call us so we Customer Assistance Center.
  • Page 365 (ie., services, locksmith/key service, glass repair, etc.) " ROADSIDE Courtesy Care PROVIDES: Roadside Basic Care services (as outlined above) To enhance Chevrolet/Geo's strong commitment to Plus: customer satisfaction, Chevrolet/Geo excited to announce establishment Chevrolet/Geo of the FREE Non-Warranty Towing...
  • Page 366 BUMPER-TO-BUMPER following available to give to the advisor: New Vehicle Limited Warranty to eligible purchasers of 1996 Chevrolet/Geo passenger car and light duty trucks. Vehicle Identification Number (Please see your selling dealer for details.) License plate number...
  • Page 367 In Canada, please consult your GM dealer for coverage provided by the BUMPER-TO-BUMPER information on Courtesy Transportation. New Vehicle Limited Warranty to retail purchasers of 1996 Chevrolet/Geo passenger cars and light duty trucks Some state insurance regulations make it impractical to (please your selling dealer for details).
  • Page 368 BBB AUTO LINE Both Chevrolet/Geo and your Chevrolet/Geo dealer are Council of Better Business Bureaus committed to making sure you are completely satisfied 4200 Wilson Boulevard with your new vehicle.
  • Page 369 BBB at any time. The BBB will attempt Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to to resolve the complaint serving as an intermediary notifying General Motors. between you and Chevrolet/Geo. If this mediation is If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open unsuccessful, informal hearing will be scheduled...
  • Page 370 Please call us at 1-800-222-1020, or write: Service manuals, service bulletins, owner’s manuals and Chevrolet/Geo other service literature are available for purchase for all Customer Assistance Center current and many past model General Motors vehicles.
  • Page 371 Service Manuals number of vehicles. So,me will describe inexpensive service; others will describe expensive service. Some Service manuals contain diagnostic and repair will advise of new or unexpected conditions, and others information for all chassis and body systems. They may help avoid future costly repairs. Service bulletins may be useful for owners who wish to get a greater are meant for qualified technicians.
  • Page 372 NOTES 8-11...
  • Page 373 NOTES 8-12...
  • Page 374 Section 9 Index .............
  • Page 375 ....Brake Capacities and Specifications 6-62 ............
  • Page 376 ........... 6-51 Instrument Panel Cruise Control 2-32 ............Outside of Your 6-52...
  • Page 377 ..Driving Coolant Temperature Gage 2-64 .........
  • Page 378 ......Gear Positions. Manual Transmission 2-14 Flash-to-Pass Feature 2-30 ....
  • Page 379 ....Ignition Positions Labels ....... . .
  • Page 380 ..... Short Trip/City Definition ..... Safety Belt Reminder 1-1 3. 2.60 ..........
  • Page 381 ............
  • Page 382 ..Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-38 Restraints ............Window Defogger Checking...
  • Page 383 ............. . . Larger CMdren 1-43 Service ............Bulletins.
  • Page 384 ..........Tire Chains 6-47 6-62...
  • Page 385 ....... Trailer Damage Warnings ........

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