GEO - Prizm - Owners Manual - 1994 - 1994

1994 PRlZM OWNER'S MANUAL Geo Prizm Introduction Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 1994 Owner’s Manual Table of Contents HOW Use to This Manual Seats 81 Restraint Systems = Features & Controls . .. ComfortControls & AudioSystems . Your DrivingandtheRoad = = = . . Problemsonthe Road Service & AppearanceCare MaintenanceSchedule CustomerAssistanceInformation rn = = = . = . = 3 7 39 81 97 119 143 189 213 Including “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 216. Part 9 Printed in U.S.A. Index ServiceStationInformation 223 rn.==.=.=.===.=m..rn=... Part No. I0260664 A = LastPage Second Edition 1 ... How to Use This Manual lmporfant Notes about This Manual Please keepthis manual in your Geo,so it will be there if youever need it when you’re onthe road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual init so the new owner can use it. This manual includesthe latest information at the timeit was printed. We reserve the right to make changes inthe product after that time withoutfurther notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the of Canada Limited” name “General Motors for Chevrolet Motor Division wherever it appears in this manual. ...2 For Canadian OwnersWho Prefer a French Language Manual Aux propridtaires canadiens:Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire dece guide zn franpis chez votre concessionaire ou au DGN Marketing Services Ltd., 1500 Bonhill Rd., Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1C7. Published by: Chevrolet Motor Division General Motors Corporation General Motors, GM and the GM emblem, Chevrolet and the Chevrolet emblem, andGeo and the Geo emblem are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. @Copyright1993 General Motors Corporation, Chevrolet/Geo Division. All Rights Reserved. How to Use This - Parts 1-8: Each part of this manual Part 4 Your Driving and the Road: begins witha brief list of its contents, so Here you’ll find helpful information and Manual you can often findat a glance if a part tips about the road and how to drive Many people read their owner’s manual contains the informationyou want. under different conditions. from beginningto end when they first How to Use This Manual: This part Part 5 - Problems on the Road:This receive their new vehicle. This will help tells you how touse your manual and part tells you what todo if you have a you learn about the features and controls includes safety and vehicle damage problem while driving, suchas a flat tire for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll warnings and symbols. or engine overheating, etc. find that pictures and words work Part 6 - Service & Appearance Care: Part 1 - Seats & Restraint Systems: together to explain things quickly. This part tellsyou how to use your seats Here the manual tells you how to keep Index: A good place to look for what and safety belts properly. It also explains your Geo running properly and looking of the you need is the Index in back good. the air bag system. manual. It’s an alphabetical list of all Part 2 - Features & Controls: This part Part 7 - Maintenance Schedule:This that’s in the manual, and the page explains how to start and operate your part tells when to perform vehicle number where you’ll findit. Geo. maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use. Part 3 - Comfort Controls& Audio Systems: This part tells you how to adjust the comfort controls and how to operate your sound system. 3... How to Use This Manual Part 8 - Customer Assistance Information: This part includes important information about reporting safety defects and gives you details about the “Roadside Assistance” program.You will also find customer satisfaction phone numbers (including customersatisfaction numbers for the hearing and speech impaired), as well as the mediatiodarbitration procedure. We’ve also included ordering information for service publications in this Part. Safety Warnings and Symbols You will also find a circle with a slash Service Station Information:This is a through it in this book. This safety symbol You will find a number of safety cautions means “Don’t,’’ “Don’tdo this,” or “Don’t quick referenceof service information. in this book. We use a box with a gray You can findit on the last pageof this let this happen.” background and the word CAUTIONto manual. tell you about things that couldhurt you if you were to ignore the warning. In the gray caution area,we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please read these cautions. Ifyou don’t, you or others could behurt. ..4 NOTICE: Vehicle Symbols These are someof the symbols you will find on your vehicle. For example,these symbols are used on an original battery: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle. These symbols are important for you and your passengers whenever your vehicleis driven: Fasten Safety Belts Caution Possible injury 4 These symbols haveto do with your lights: @ Protect Eyes by Shielding Master Lighting Switch Caustic Battery Acid Could Cause Burns Turn Signal Direction Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will find these notices. In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, andit could be costly. But the notice will tellyou what to do to help avoid the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words. You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use yellowfor cautions, bluc for notices and the words CAUTION or NOTICE. Hazard Warning Flashers Avoid Sparksor Flames 8 Headlight High Beam Sparks or Flame Could Explode Battery A EO -- Brightness Control 5.. How to Use This Manual These symbols are on some of your controls: Vent Here are some other symbols youmay see: Windshield Wiper and Washer Heater Hood Release These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights: Lighter Engine Coolant Temperature Horn Windshield Washer Windshield Defroster Rear Window Defogger BatteryChargingSystem I-1 Fuel Engine Oil Pressure Ventilating Fan Recirculate Inside Air Circulate Outside Air Bi-Level ...6 Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) Door Ajar Trunk Release 0 Part 1 Seats & Restraint Systems i H e r e you^ find information about the seatsin your Geo and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with safety belts . Seats and Seat Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 11 Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone .................................... 1 12 Why Safety Belts Work ............................................. and the Answers . , 15 1Here Are Questions Many People Ask about Safety Belts. 15 !Safety Belt Reminder Light .......................................... 1How to Wear Safety Belts Properly .................................... 16 Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 IChild Restraints ................................................... 29 LargerChildren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 37 Safety Belt Extender ............................................... IChecking Your Restraint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Replacing Safety Belts after a Crash ................................... 37 I L I L 7 .. Seats and Restraint Systems Lift the lever under the front seat to unlock it. Slide theseat to where you want it. Then release the lever andtry to move the seat with your body, to make sure the seat is locked into place. Don’t put anything under the frontseats. Items under the seats could keep the seats from locking into place properly. Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats how to adjust them, andalso about reclining front seatbacks, head restraints and rear folding seatbacks. Front Seat ...e Reclining Front Seatbacks To adjust the seatback, lift the leveron the outer sideof the seat. Release the lever to lock the seatback where you want it. Push on the seat to make sure it's locked in position. Pull up on the lever, and the seat willgo to its original upright position. But don't have the seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving. Seats and Restraint Systems Head Restraints Pull up to raise the restraint.To lower it, push the release button and push down. Slide the head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top Make sure the head restraint is locked in of your ears. This position reduces the place after you adjust it. :hance of a neck injury in a crash. . . .10 Rear Folding Seatback(omoN) You can fold either sideof the seatback jown in your Geo for more cargo space. To fold either seatback down: 1. Make sure the front seat isn't reclined If it is, the rear seatback won't fold down all the way. 2. Push the button on the side of the seatback whileyou pull down on the seatback. 1 3. Fold the seatback down. To raise the seatback: 1. Pull the seatback up and push it back to lockit into place. 2. Be sure both sides of the seatback are latched. Push and pullthe top of the seatback tobe sure it is locked in position. Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone This partof the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly.It also tells you some things you should notdo with safety belts. And it explains the Supplemental Restraint System, or “air bag” system. 4 ’his figure lights up as a reminder to mckle up. (See “Safety Belt Reminder 2ight” in the Index.) :n many states and Canadian provinces, he law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: Thev work. 11 ... Seats and Restraint Systems You never know if you’ll be in a crash.If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a badone. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In manyof them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than25 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear.In most crashes buckling up does matter... a lot! . . .I2 Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes. For example, if the bike is going 10 mph ( 16 k m h ) , so is the child. When the bike hits the block, it stops. But the child keeps going! Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat on wheels. Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn’t stop. 13 ... Seats and Restraint Systems The person keeps going untii stoppedby something. In a real vehicle, it couldbe the windshield ... m m m 14 or the instrument panel... x the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more timeto stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense. Here Are Questions Many People Ask about Safety Belts - and the Answers Q: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if I’m wearing a safety belt? belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions. Q: If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from home,why should I wear safety belts? A: You may be an excellent driver, but A: You could be - whether you’re if you’re in an accident - even one wearing a safety belt or not. But you that isn’t yourfault - you and your can easily unbucklea safety belt, passengers can be hurt. Beinga good even if you’re upside down. And your driver doesn’t protect you from things chance of being conscious during and beyond your control, such as bad after an accident, so you can unbuckle drivers. and get out, is much greater if you are Most accidents occur within 25 miles belted. (40km) of home. And the greatest number of seriousinjuries and deaths Q: Why don’t they just put in air bags so people won’t have to wear safety occur at speedsof less than 40 mph (65 kmh). belts? Safety belts are for everyone. A: Air bags, or Supplemental Restraint Systems, are in some vehicles today and will be in more of them in the future. But they are supplemental systems only - so they work with safety belts, not instead of them. Every air bag system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety I Safety Belt Reminder Light When the key is turned to “On” or ‘Start,” a buzzer will comeon for about ight seconds to remind people to fasten heir safety belts, unless the driver’s iafety belt is already buckled. The safety jelt light willalso come on and stay on mtil the driver’s belt is buckled. 15.. Seats and RestraintSystems How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults This section is onlyfor people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rulesfor smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your Geo,see the section after this one, called “Children.” Follow those ;irst, you’ll want to know which restraint ystems your vehicle has. rules for everyone’s protection. Ve’ll start with the driver position. >river Position ’his section describes the driver’s estraint system. .. . I 6 Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver hasa lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see “Seats” in the Index) so you can sit up straight. 3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted. 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. 5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt. The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips,just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. Andyou’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen.This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should goover the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locksif there’s a sudden stop or crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor. 17.. To move it up or down, pull the release S'houlder Belt Height Adjuster knob. When you release the knob,try kiou can move the shoulder belt adjuster to move it down a little to make sure ct 3 the height thatis right for you. it has lockedinto position. Adjust the height so that the shoulder portion of the belt is properly positioned on your shoulder, away from your face ,nd neck. To help you finda height thatis right for you, follow these guidelines: For a tall Derson: Use the upper or apper-middle position. G: Use a position somewhere in the middle. For a short Derson: Use the loweror lower-middle position. I .. . I 8 I I 1 Q: What’s wrong with this? a: What’s wrong with this? Q: What’s wrong with this? A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’ give nearly as much protection this way. L: The belt is buckled in the wrong place. A: The shoulder beltis worn under the arm. It should be worn over the shoulder at all times. 19 ... Seats and Restraint Systems Supplemental Restraint System (Air Bags) This section explains the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), or “air bag” system. Your Geo has an air bagfor the driver and for the right-front passenger. Here are the most important things to know: Q: What’s wrong with this? A: The belt is twisted acrossthe body. ...20 To unlatch the belt,just push the button on the buckle. The belt shouldgo back out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle. Air Bag Readiness Light There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows “AIR BAG’ on it. The system checksfor electrical malfunctions, and the light tells you if there is a problem. You will see this light comeon when you turn your ignition to “ACC,”“ON’ or “START.” Then the light should goout, which means the system is ready. Remember, if the air bag readiness light doesn’t come on when you start your vehicle, or stays on, or comes on when you are driving, your air bag system may not work properly. Have your vehicle serviced right away. 21 ... Seats and Restraint Systems car which will move and deform on impact. The air bag is also not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts,or rear impacts where the inflation would provide no occupant protection benefit. It is possible thatin a crash, only one of ." the two air bagsin your Geo will deploy. This is rare, but can happenin a crash just severe enough to make an air bag inflate. A In any particular crash, the determination of whether the air bag should have inflated cannot be based solely on the How the Air Bag System Works The right-front passenger's air bag is level of damage on the vehicle(s). located in the instrument panel on the Inflation is determinedby the angleof the Where is the air bag? passenger's side. impact and the vehicle's deceleration, of The driver's air bag is in the middle of the When is an air bag expected to inflate? which vehicle damage is only one steering wheel. indication. Repair cost is nota good The air bag is designed to inflatein indicator of whether an air bag should moderate to severe frontalor near-frontal have deployed. crashes. The air bag will only inflate if the velocity of the impact is above the What makes an air bag inflate? designed threshold level. When impacting In a frontal or near-frontal impactof straight into a wall that does not move sufficient severity, the air bag sensing or deform, the threshold level for most system detects that the vehicle is GM vehicles is between 9 and 15 mph (14 and 23 km/h). However, this velocity suddenly stoppingas a result of a crash. threshold depends on the vehicle design The sensing system triggersa chemical and may be several miles-per-hour faster reaction of the sodium azide sealedin the inflator. The reaction produces nitrogen or slower. In addition, this threshold gas, which inflates a cloth bag. The velocity will be considerably higherif the vehicle strikes an object such asa parked inflator, cloth bag, and related hardware ,/ : ...22 are all part of the air bag inflator modules packed inside the steering wheel and in the instrument panel infront of the passenger. that the air bag inflated. Some components &the air bag module in the steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag or the instrument panelfor the passenger’s bag may be hot for a short How does an air bag restrain? time, but the portionof the bag that comes into contact with you will not be hot to In moderate to severe frontal or the touch. There will be small amountsof near-frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel smoke anddust coming from vents in the deflated air bags. The air bag will or the instrument panel. The air bag impede the driver’s vision or ability to supplements the protection provided by steer the vehicle, nor will it hinder the safety belts. Air bagsdistribute the occupants from exiting the vehicle. force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body,stopping the In many crashes severe enough to inflate occupant more gradually. Butair bags an air bag, windshields are brokenby would not provide protection in many vehicle deformation. Additional types of collisions, including rollovers windshield breakage may occur in and rear and side impacts, primarily vehicles with passenger air bags because because an occupant’s motion is not the windshield acts as a reaction surface toward the air bag.Air bags should for the inflating air bag. never be regarded as anything more than 0 The air bags are designed to inflate a supplement to safety belt protectionin only once. After theyinflate, you’ll moderate to severe frontal and need some new parts for your air bag near-frontal collisions. system. If you don’t get them, theair bag system won’t be thereto help What will you see after anair bag protect you in another crash.A new inflation? system will include air bag modules After the air bag has inflated, it will then and possibly other parts. Theservice quickly deflate. This occurs so quickly manual has information about the that some people may not evenrealize need to replace otherparts. Your vehicle is equipped with a ,diagnostic module, which records information about theair bag system. The module records informationabou the readiness of the system, when the sensors are activated, and whether the driver’s safety belt was in use. Let only qualified technicians work 01 your air bag system. Improper service can mean that your air bag system won’t work properly.See your dealer for service. NOTICE: If you damage the cover for the driver’s or the right-front passenger’s air bag, they may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag on the steering wheel or both the air bag and the instrument panelfor the passenger’s air bag. Do not open or break the air bag cavers. 211 Seats and Restraint Systems Is the smoke from an air bag inflation harmful? The particles emitted duringair bag inflation are not harmful to most people. Some people with respiratory ailments may experience difficulty breathingif they stay in the vehiclewith the windows closed after airbag inflation. So, if your air bag inflates, you and any passengers should exit the vehicle if and when it is safe todo so. If you or your passengers can’t get out of the vehicle, tryto get fresh air by opening a window, turning on the fan, or openinga door. Servicing your Air Bag-Equipped Geo Air bags affect how your Geo should be serviced. There are partsof the air bag system in several places around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to inflate while someone is workingon your vehicle. Your Geo dealer and the 1994 Prizm Service Manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system. The air bag system does not need regular maintenance. ...24 Safety Belt Use during Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts. A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible throughout the pregnancy. The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. Whena safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effectiveis wearing them properly. I sassenger Positions Rear Seat Passengers tight Front Passenger Position It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident ’he right front passenger’s safety belt iorks the same way as the driver’s safety statistics show that unbelted peoplein the lelt. See “Driver Position,” earlier in this rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. lart. Yhen the shoulder belt is pulled out all Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown outof the vehicle in a he way, it will lock. If it does, let it go crash. And they can strike others in the lack all the way and start again. vehicle who are wearing safety belts. 1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let get it twisted. 2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again. Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions If the belt is not long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the endof this section. Lap-Shoulder Belt Make sure the release buttonon the The positions nextto the windows have buckle is positioned so you would be able lap-shoulder belts. Here’show to wear to unbuckle the safety belt quicklyif you one properly. ever had to. 25.. Seats and Restraint Systems 3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle endof the belt as you pull up on theshoulder part. 1:he lap part of the belt should be worn 1ow and snug on the hips,just touching t he thighs. In a crash, this applies force to t he strong pelvic bones. And you’d be 11ess likely to slide under the lap belt. If 4~ O Uslid under it, the belt would apply f orce at your abdomen. This could cause S,erious or even fatal injuries.The S#boulder belt should go over the shoulder amd across the chest.These parts of the tYody are best able to take belt restraining f orces. 1The safety belt locksif there’s a sudden s;top or crash, or if you pull it very quickly <)ut of the retractor. ...26 c e To unlatch the belt,just push the button on the buckle. F :enter Passenger Position lap Belt F your vehicle has a rear bench seat, omeone can sit in the center position. When you sit in a center seating position, you have a lap safety belt, which has no retractor. To make the belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it along the belt. 27 ... Seats and Restraint Systems Smaller Children and Babies i To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug. Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap-shoulder belt. 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 quicklyif you ever had to. ...28 Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infantsand 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. Child Restraints Be sure to follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions or on the restraint itself or in a booklet, both. These restraints use the belt system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury. The instructions that come with the infant or child restraint will showyou how to do ;hat. Where to Put the Restraint Accident statistics show that children are iafer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat.We at General Motors therefore recommend that you ?ut your child restraint in the rear seat. YEVER put a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat. Here’s why: 29 ... Seats and Restraint Systems - i U ~~ I’op Strap Securing a Child Restraintin a Rear Outside Position [f your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored.If you need to have You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See an anchor installed, you can ask your Geo the earlier section about the top strap if dealer to putit in for you. If you want to the child restraint has one. install an anchor yourself, your dealer can1. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow ;ell you how todo it. the instructions for the child restraint. For cars first sold in Canada, child 2. Secure the child in the child restraint restraints with a top strap must be as the instructions say. Wherever you install it, be sure to secure anchored according to Canadian law. the child restraint properly. 3. Pick up the latch plate, andrun the lap Your dealer can obtain the hardware kit and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s Keep in mind that an unsecured child and install it for you, or you may install it safety belt through or around the restraint can move around in a collision restraint. The child restraint or sudden stop and injure people in the yourself using the instructions provided in the kit. instructions will showyou how. vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any Use the tether hardware kit available from - even child restraint in your vehicle of the If the shoulder belt goes in front the dealer. The hardware and installation when no child is in it. child’s face or neck, put it behind the instructions were specifically designed fol child restraint. this vehicle. ...30 4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly ifyou ever had to. 5. Pull the rest of the shoulder beltall the 6.. TOtighten the belt, feed the shoulder way out of the retractor to set the lock. belt into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint. 3 1 ... Seats and Restraint Systems 7. Push and pull the child restraint in .,. directions to be sure it is different secure’. To remove the childrestraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely againand be ready to work for an adultor larger child passenger. . . .32 1. Securing a Child Restraint in the Zenter Rear Seat Position When you secure a child restraint ina 2. :enter seating position, you’ll be using the ,apbelt. 3. See the earlier section about the top strap d the child restraint has one. Make the belt as longas possible by tilting the latch plate and pullingit along the belt. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions forthe child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint as the instructionssay. 4. Run the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. 5. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 6. To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push down on the child restraint. 7. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sureit is secure. If the child restraint isn’t secure, turn the latch plate over and buckle it again. Then see if it is secure. If it isn’t, secure the restraint in a different placein the vehicle and contact the child restraint maker for their advice abouthow to attach the child restraint properly. To remove the child restraint,just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt. It will be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. U Securing a Child Restraint in the Righi Front Seat Your vehicle has a right-front passenger? air bag. NEVER put a rear-facing child restraint in this seat. Here’s why: 33 ... Seats and Restraint Systems cou’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt.See he earlier section about thetop strap if he child restrainthas one. I. Because your vehicle hasa right-front passenger’s air bag, always move the seat as far back asit will go before securing a front-facing child restraint. 2. Put the restrainton the seat. Follow the instructions for the child restraint. 3. Secure the child in the child restraint as the instructions say. 4. Pick up the latch plate, andrun the lap 5. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be and shoulder portionsof the vehicle’s able to unbuckle the safety belt safety belt throughor around the quickly if you ever had to. restraint. The childrestraint instructions will showyou how. If the shoulderbelt goes in front of the child‘s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint. ...34 6. Pull the rest of the shoulder beltall the way out of the retractorto set the lock. A I 7. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder 8. Push and pull the chilu 1-esrraint in belt back into the retractor while you different directions to be sure it is push down on the child restraint. Children who have outgrown child secure. restraints should wear the vehicle’s safety To remove the child restraint,just belts. unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let If you have the choice, a child should sit it go back all theway. next to a windowso the child can weara The safety belt will move freely again and lap-shoulder belt and get the additional or larger be ready to work for an adult restraint a shoulder belt can provide. child passenger. Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear seat. But they need to use the safety belts properly. 0 Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out ina crash. Larger Children Seats and Restraint Systems Q. What if a child is wearing a lapshoulder belt, but the childis so small that the shoulder beltis very close to the child's face or neck? I 0 Children who aren't buckled up can strike other peoplewho are. ...36 A: Move the child toward the centerof the vehicle, but be sure that the shoulder belt stillis on the child's shoulder, so that in a crash the child's upper body would have the restraint that belts provide. If the child isso small that the shoulder belt is still very close to the child's face or neck, you might want to place the childin the center seat position, the one that has only a lap belt . Safety . Belt,,Extender ;, .... . ~. ’ ., ,::.* , . < , If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your dealer will orderyou an extender. It’sfree. When you go in to order it, take the heaviestcoat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. The extender will bejust foryou, and just forthe seat in your vehicle that you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it onlyfor the seat it ismade to fit. To wear it, just attach it tothe regular safety belt. Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt should be wornlow and snug on the hips, just touching the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash. Replacing Safety Belts after aCrash If you’ve hada crash, do you need new belts? After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary. But ifthe belts were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you neednew belts. [f you ever seea label on the driver’sor the right-front passenger’s safety belt that says. to replacethe belt, be sureto do so. rhen the new belt will bethere to help protect you in an accident. You would see this label on the belt near the door Checking Your 3pening. Restraint Systems [f belts are cutor damaged, replace them. Zollision damage’ also may mean you Now and then, make sure all your belts, will need to have safety beltor seat parts buckles, latch plates, retractors, repaired or replaced. New parts and anchorages and reminder systems are -epairs may be necessary even if the belt working properly. Look for any loose parts or damage. If you see anything that gasn’t being used at the timeof the might keep a restraint systemfrom doing :ollision. its job, have it repaired. Seats and Restraint Systems Q: What's wrong with this? A: The belt is torn. Torn or frayed beltsmay not protect you in a crash. They canrip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away. . . .38 Part 2 Features & Controls H e r e you can learn about the many standard and optional Features on yourGeo. and information on starting. shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell youif everything is working properlyand what todo if you have a problem. Keys ............. ........................................... 40 Door Locks ....................................................... 41 44 Theft ........................................................... New Vehicle"Break-In" ...........................................44 Ignition Switch ................................................... 44 Starting Your Engine ............................................... 45 AutomaticTransaxle ............................................... 47 ManualTransaxle ................................................. 49 51 Parking ......................................................... EngineExhaust .................................................. 54 Windows ........................................................55 Horn ........................................................... 56 TiltWheel ...................................................... 56 The Turn SignaVLightsControUHeadlightBeamLever ... ............... 56 InteriorLights ................................................... 58 Windshield WiperNasher Lever ..................................... 59 CruiseControl ................................................... 61 Mirrors ......................................................... 63 SunRoof ........................................................64 StorageandCompartments ......................................... 66 67 Sunvisors ...................................................... Passenger Assist Grips ............................................. 68 68 AshtraysandLighter .............................................. Instrument Panel and Clusters ....................................... 72. 39 ... Features and Controls NOTICE: Your Geo has a number of features that can help prevent theft. But you can have a lot of trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever lock your keys inside. You may even have to damage your vehicle to getin. So be sure you have an extra key. Keys ...40 )ne key is used for the ignition, the loors, and all other locks. Nhen a new Geo is delivered,the dealer emoves the metal plate from the key rinl md gives it to the first owner. The metal plate has a code on it that tells 'our dealer or a qualified locksmith how o make extra keys. Keepthe code in a afe place. If you lose your keys, you'll ,e able to havenew ones made easily rsing this code. 1 Door Locks I 1 (here are several ways to lock and unlocjk To lock the door from the inside, push down the button on the door. 'our vehicle: To unlock the door, pull up on the button. kom the outside, use yowlkey.To lock he door, turn the top of the key toward he front of the car. If you have power loor locks, all the doors will lock. 'urn the top of the key toward the rearof le car to unlock the door. If your vehicle as power doorlocks, turn the key once I unlock the driver's door only. Turn the ey back to center, then toward therear gain to unlock all the doors. Usingthe ey in the passenger's door will unlock a11 L e doors. 41 ... Features and Controls Power Door Locks (Option) Push the power door lock switch on the driver’s door to lockor unlock all the doors at once. Rear Door Security Lock Your Geo is equipped with rear door security locks that help prevent passengers from opening the rear doors01 your car from the inside. Leaving Your Vehicle To use one of these locks: If you are leaving the vehicle, take your 1. Turn the knob so the bar points up anc key, open your door and setthe locks down. from inside. Then get out and close the 2. Close the door. door. 3. Do the same thing to the other rear door lock. The rear doorsof your vehicle cannotbe opened from inside when this feature is in use. ...42 :f you want to open a rear door whenthe iecurity lock is on: 1. Unlock the door from the inside. 2. Then open the door from the outside. If you don’t cancel the security lock feature, adults and older children who rid in the rear won’t be able to open the rear door from the inside. You should let adults and older children know how thest security locks work, andhow to cancel the locks. To cancel the rear door lock: 1. Unlock the door from the inside and open the door from the outside. 2. Turn the knob so the bar points towar the sides. 3. Do the same for the other rear door. The rear door locks will now work normally. rrunk Lock Release b open the trunk lid, use your key and urn it clockwise. To close the lid, lower and press down on t. After closing the lid,try pulling it up to nake sure it is closed. Remote Trunk Lock Release Pull the lever on the floor near the driver’s door to open the trunk lid from inside your vehicle. 43 . I Features and Controls Theft Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities. Although your Geo has a number of theft deterrentfeatures, we know that nothing we put on itcan make it impossibleto steal. However, there are ways you can help. 11 Key in the Ignition If you walk awayfrom your vehicle with the keys inside,it’s an easy targetfor joy riders or professionalthieves - so don’t do it. When you park your Geo and open the driver’s door, you’ll heara tone reminding youto remove your key from the ignition and takeit with you. Always do this. Your steering wheelwill be locked, andso will your ignition.If you have an automatic transaxle, taking your key out also locks your transaxle.And remember to lock the doors. Parking at Night Park in a lighted spot, closeall windows and lock your vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables outof sight. Put them ina storage area,or take them with you. ...44 New Vehicle “Brreak-ln” NOTICE: Your modern Geo doesn’t need an elaborate “break-in.” But it will perform better inthe long runif you follow these guidelines: 0 Don’t drive at any one speed - fast or slow -for the first 500 miles (804 km). Don’t make full-throttle starts. 0 Avoid making hard stops for the first 200 miles (322 km) or so. During’thistime your new brake linings aren’tyet broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement. Followthis “breaking-in” guideline every time you get new brake linings. B W Ignition Switch Nith the key in the ignition switch, you :an turn the switch tofour positions: LOCK (A): The only position in which IOU can remove thekey. This locks your jteering wheel, ignition and automatic ransaxle. Push in the ignition switch as you turn the topof it toward you. [f you have an automatic transaxle, the ignition switch cari’tbe tyrned to ”LOCK” unless the shift leveris in the “P” (Park) position. K C (B):Position in which you can 3perate some of your electrical power accessories (such as theradio, but not thc ventilation fan). It unlocks the steering wheel and ignition. ON (C): Position to which the switch returns after you start your engine and release the switch. The switch stays in the “ON’ position when the engine is running. But even when the engine is not running, you can use “ON” to operate your electrical power accessories (including the ventilationfan) and to display some warning and indicator lights. START (D): Starts the engine. When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will return to “ON” for normal driving. When the engine is not running, “ACC” and “ON” allow you to operate some of your electrical accessories. A warning tone will sound ifyou open the driver’s door when the ignition is in “ACC” or “LOCK’ and the key is in the ignition. 1A CAUTION: On manual transaxle vehicles, turning the keyto “LOCK” will lock the steering column and resultin a loss of ability to steer the vehicle. This could cause a collision. If you need to turn the engineoff while the vehicle is moving, turn the key only to “ACC.” Don’t push the key in while the vehicleis moving. NOTICE: If your key seems stuck in “LOCK” and you can’t turn it, be sure it is all the way in. If it is; then turn the steering wheel left and right while you turn the key hard. But turn the key only with your hand. Using a tool to force it could break the key or the ignition switch.If none of this works, then your vehicle needs service. Starting Your Engine Automatic transaxle: Move your shift lever to “P” (Park) or “N” (Neutral). Your engine won’t start in any other position that’s a safety feature. To restart when you’re already moving, use “ N ’ (Neutral) only. NOTICE: Don’t try to shift to“P” (Park) if your Geo is moving. If you do, you could damage the transaxle. Shift to “P’ (Park) only when your vehicle is stopped. ~~ ~~~ Manual transaxle: The gear selector should be in neutral. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor and start the engine. Your vehicle won’t start ifthe clutch pedal is not all the way down - that’s a safety feature. To start your engine: 1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your ignition key to “START.” When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm. 45 ... Features and Controls NOTICE: Holding yourkey in “START” for longer than 15 seconds ata time will cause your batteryto be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor. 2. If it doesn’t start in three seconds, wait about 15 seconds and try again to start the engineby turning the ignitionkey to “START.” Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery. When your engine hasrun about 10 seconds to warm up, your vehicle is ready to be driven. Don’t “race” your enginewhen it’s cold. If the weather is below freezing (32°F or OOC), let the engine runfor a few minutes to warm up. 3. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but thenstops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedalall the way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in “Start”for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again,do the ... 46 same thing, but this time keep the pedal down for five or six seconds. the This clears the extra gasoline from engine. If your enginestalls, restart it as explained earlier.If it stalls often, have the engine checkedby your dealer as soon as possible. NOTICE: Your engine is designed to work with the electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could change the way the fuel injection system operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer. If you don’t, your engine might not perform properly. If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see the partof this manual that tellshow to do it without damaging your vehicle. See “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index. Driving fhroughDeep Standing Water NOTICE: If you drive too quickly through deep puddles or standing water, water can come in through your engine’sair intake and badly damage your engine. If you can’t avoid deep puddles or standing water, drive through them very slowly. lever - push the shift lever all theway into “P” (Park) and releasethe shift lever button as you maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever button and move the shift lever into the gear you wish. See “Shifting out of ‘P’ (Park)” in this part. R (Reverse) Use this gear to back up. NOTICE: Automatic Transaxle Shifting to “R’ (Reverse) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transaxle. Shiftto “R’ only after your vehicleis stopped. There are several different positionsfor your shift lever. P (Park) This locks your front wheels. It’s the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can’t move easily. To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see “Stuck: In Sand, Mud,Ice or Snow” in the Index. Ensure the shift lever is fully in“P” (Park) range before starting the eng,ine. Your Geo has a brake-transaxle shift interlock. You have to fullyapply your regular brakes before you can shift from T“ (Park) when the ignition key is in the “ON’ position. If you cannot shift out of “P” (Park), ease pressure on the shift 47 ... Features and Controls N(Neutral) In this position, your engine doesn’t connect with the wheels.To restart when you’re already moving, use “N” (Neutral: only. Also, use “N” when your vehicle is being towed. I NOTICE: Damage to your transaxle causedby shifting outof “P’ (Park) or“N” (Neutral) with the engine racing isn’t covered by your warranty. ... 48 0 2 (SecondGear) D(Drive) This position is for normal driving. If you This position gives you more power but need more power for passing, and you’re: lower fuel economy. You can use “2” on hills. It can help control your speed as - Going less than about 27 mph you go down steep mountain roads, but (43 km/h), push your accelerator then you would also want to use your pedal about halfway down. brakes off and on. - Going about 29 mph (47 k d h ) or more, push your accelerator pedal all NOTICE: the way down. Don’t drive in “2” (Second Gear) You’ll shift down to the next gear and for more than 5 miles (8 km), or at have more power. speeds over 55 mph (88 km/h), or you can damage your transaxle. Use “ D ’ as much as possible. Don’t shift into “2” unless you are going slower than 65 mph (105 km/h), or you can damage your engine. L (Low Gear) This position gives you even more power (but lower fuel economy) than“2.” You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the selector leveris put in “L,” the transaxle won’t shift into low gear until the vehicleis going slowly enlough. 0 NOTICE: 1I I If your front wheels can’t rotate, don’t try to drive. This might happen if you were stuck invery deep sand or mud or were up againsta solid object. You could damage your transaxle. Also, if you stop when going uphill, don’t hold your vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal. This could overheat and damage the transaxle. Use your brakesto hold your vehicle in position on a hill. L Manual Transaxle Overdrive (Option) If your automatic transaxle has Overdrive, Five-Speed you can useit for better fuel economy. After starting your engine, always push in This is your shift pattern. Here’s how to the “OVERDRIVE’ switch. Then select operate your transaxle: the gearyou want and press the 1 (First Gear) -Press the clutch accelerator pedal. pedal and shift into “1.” Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal asyou press Gradual starts giveyou the best fuel economy. Fast starts use the mostfuel. the accelerator pedal. A light onthe instrument panel will come You qan shift into “1” when you’re on wheneveryou turn off Overdrive. See going less than20 mph (32 km/h). If you’ve come to a complete stop and “Overdrive Off Light” in the Index. it’s hard to shift into “1,” put the shift lever in “Neutral” and let up on the clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into “1.” 49 ... Features and Controls 0 0 0 0 0 2 (Second Gear)- Press the clutch Shift Speeds (MANUAL TRANsMIssIoNj pedal as you let up on the accelerator pedal and shift into “2.” Then, slowly This chart shows whento shift to the next gear for best fuel economy. let up on the clutch pedal as you press MANUAL TRANSMISSION RECOMMENDEDSHIFT SPEEDS, IN MPH(kmk) the accelerator pedal. Acceleration Shift Speed 3,4 and 5 (Third, Fourth and Fifth I Gears) - Shift into “3,” “4” and “5” 1 to2 3 3 2 to to 4 to 4 5 2 or to 3 or4to3 or5to4 the same way you do for “2.” Slowly or 2 to 1 let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. To Stop - Let up on the accelerator pedal and press the brake pedal. Just If your speed drops below20 mph (32 km/h), or if the engineis not running smoothly, you should downshift to thenext lower gear. You may have to downshift two or more before the vehiclestops, press the or for good performance. clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and gears to keep the engine running smoothly shift to “Neutral.” Neutral - Use this position when you start or idle your engine. R (Reverse) -To back up, press down the clutch pedal and shift .into “R.”Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal. I I NOTICE: Shift to “R” (Reverse) only after your vehicle is stopped. Shiftingto “R” (Reverse) while your vehicleis moving could damage your transaxle. Also, use “R’ (Reverse) along with the parking brake for parking your vehicle. ...50 I I I I I I NOTICE: If you skip more than one gear when you downshift, or if you race the engine when you downshift, youcan damage the clutch or transaxle. Parking To release theparking brake: Hold the brake pedal down.Pull the parkingbrake lever upuntil you can pressthe release Parking Brake button. Holdthe release buttonin as you To set the parking brake: Hold the brake move the lever all the way down. pedal down and pull up on the parking brake lever. If the ignition is on, the brake NOTICE: system warning light will come on. Driving with the parking brakeon can cause your rear brakesto overheat. You may have to replace them, and you could also damage other parts of your vehicle. If you are towing a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index. 51 ... Features and Controls Leaving Your Vehiclewith the Engine Running Shifting into“P” (Park) (AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE) (AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE) 1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and set the parking brake. 2. Move the shift lever into “P” (Park) position like this: 0 Hold in the button on the lever, and push the lever all the way toward the frontof your vehicle. 3. Move the key to “LOCK.” 4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can walk away from your vehicle with the key in your hand, your vehicle is in “ P ’ (Park). ...52 Shifting outof P (Park) (AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE) Your Geo has a brake-transaxle shift interlock. You have to fully apply your regular brake before you can shift from “P’ (Park) when the ignition is in the “ON” position. See “Automatic Transaxle” in the Index. 4. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as possible. Parking Your Vehicle (MANUAL TRANSAXLE) If you cannot shift out of “P” (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever - push the shift lever all theway into “P,’ (Park) and release theshift lever button as you maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever button and move the shift lever into the gear you wish. If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can’t shift out of “P” (Park), try this: 1. Carefully pry the shift lock override cover from the floor shift console using a flat-bladed tool. 2. Insert the end of the flat-bladed tool into the rectangular slot and press down firmly. 3. While maintaining brake application, move the shift leverinto the drive gear you want. Before you get out of your vehicle, put your manual transaxle in “R” (Reverse) and firmly apply the parking brake. If your vehicle is equippedto tow a trailer, see “Towinga Trailer” in the Index. Parking over Things That Burn 53. . Features and Controls Engine Exhaust Running Your Engine While You’re Parked (AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE) It’s better not to park with the engine running. But if you ever have to, here are some things toknow. Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle won’t move. See “Shifting into ‘P’ (Park)” in the Index. If you are parking on a hill and if you’re pulling a trailer, also see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index. ... 54 There are individual controlsnear each Wiiidow. Push the bottomof the switch to open a window and the top of the switch to raise it. 'ress the window lock switch tokeep passengers from using their individual window switches. Pressthe switch again to unlock the windows. Windows Manual Windows Use the window crank to open and close each window; Power Windows (Option) With power windows, switches on the driver's door control each window when the ignition is on. Push downthe front of the switch to lower a window and lift the front of the switch to raise a window. The switch for the driver's window hasan Express Down feature. To use the Express Down, push the switch downall the way. Release 'the switch and the window will lower completely. You can also open this window any amount by pushing the switch halfway down and releasing it when you want the window to stop. Do not push the switch whenthe window is in the Express Down mode. Features and Controls I II Tilt Wheel (OPTION) The Turn SignallLights To sound the horn, press the horn symbol 4 tilt steering wheel allowsyou to adjust ControlIHeadlight on your steering wheel. he steering wheel before you drive. Beam Lever I'ou can also raise it to the highest level The lever on the left sideof the steering o give your legs more room when you column includes your: :xit and enter the vehicle. Turn Signal and Lane Change :o tilt the wheel, hold thesteering wheel Indicator .nd lift the lever. Move thesteering wheel Headlight High/Low Beam and o a comfortable level, then release the Passing Signal ever to lock the wheelin place. Operation of Lights Horn ... 56 Operauon of Lights 1 Although f i your vehicle’s lighting system (headlights, parking lights, fog lamps, sidemarker lights and taillights)meets all applicable federal lighting requirements, certain states and provinces may apply their own lighting regulations that may require special attention before you Ioperate these lights. For example, some jurisdictions may 1require that you operate your fog lamps A green arrow on the instrument panel only when your lower beam headlights will flash in the directionof the turn or iare also on, or that headlights be turned lane change. 3n whenever you must use your windshield wipers. In addition, most To signal a lane change,just raise or lower the lever until the green arrow start! 3 Jiurisdictions prohibit driving solely with to flash. Hold it there until you complete Iparking lights, especially at dawnor dusk. your lane change. The leverwill return byr l[t is recommended that you check with your own state or provincial highway itself when you release it. authority for applicable lighting As you signal a turnor a lane change, regulations. if the arrows flash faster than normal, a signal bulb may be burned out and other drivers won’t see your turn signal. If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an accident. If the green arrows don’t go on at all when you signal a turn, check the fuse (see “Fuses” in the Index) and for burned-out bulbs. I L Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator The turn signal hastwo upward (for Right) and two downward (for Left) positions. These positions allow youto signal a turn or a lane change. To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or down. When the turn is finished, the lever will return automatically. ( 1 57 ... Features and Controls Turn the outside portionof the lever to Interior Lights Headlight High/Low Beam control the lights. There are three Dome Light First, you must have the headlights on. positions for the light switch. For high beams, push theturn signal lever This dome light hasa three position 0 OFF: All lights are off. away from you. When the high beams are switch. 0 -: At the middle position, the parking on, a blue light on the instrument panel 0 ON: The light comes on and stays on lights, taillights, license plate light and also will be on. It willgo off when you whether or not a door is open. the instrument panel lighting come on. switch to low beam. To switch back to The headlights are off. 0 OFF: The light stays off even when a low beams, pull the lever toward you. door is open. 0 : The headlights and all other operating lights come on. Flash-to-Pass 0 DOOR: The light comes on when a door is opened. With the lever in the low beam position, Lights On Reminder pull the lever toward youto momentarily If you turn the ignition to“LOCK’ or switch to high beams (to signal that you “ACC” and leave the lightson, you’ll are going to pass).If you have the hear a tone when you open the driver’s headlights on, when you release the lever door. they will return to low beams. Eo ... 58 Leading Light F you have a sunroof, you have a reading .ght near the sunroof switch. Press the witch to turn thelight on and press it gain to turn itoff. Brightness Control This knob controls the brightness of your instrument panel lights. Turn the knob clockwise to brighten the lightsor counterclockwise to dim them. Windshield WiperNasher Lever The lever on the right side of the steering column controls the windshield wipers and washer. Move the lever to the position you want: 0 OFF: The wipers are off. 0 PNT Intermittent wiper operation(if your Geo has this).In light rain or snow, you might want to use this position rather than continuous wiping. You can change the time between wipes by turning the “INT TIME” band. Turn the band toward “S” for a longer delay or toward “F’ for a shorter delay. 59 ... I , , , i . .. Features and Controls D B LO: The wiperswill fun continuously at low’ speed. HI:The wipers will run continuously Washers ’ress the button on the end of the lever to pray washerfluid on’the‘windshield..The at high speed. MIST: (If you have mist-type wipers, the lever doesn’t havean “INT” position.) For a single wiping cycle, push the leverto “MIST,” Holdit .there fora second, thenlet go. The wipers will stop afterone cycle. If you want more cycles,hold the lever at “MIST” longer. pray will continue’untilyou release the button. The wipers willrun once. Heavy snow orice can overload your wipers. A circuit breaker will stop them until the motor cools. Clear away snowor ice to prevent an overload. NOTICE: 0 0 0 0 ...60 When using concentrated washer fluid, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding water. Don’t mix water with ready-touse washer fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze and damage your washer fluid tank and other partsof the washer system. Also, water doesn’t clean as well as washer fluid. Fill your washer fluid tank only 3/4 full when it’s very cold. This allows for expansion, which could damagethe tank if it is completely full. Don’t use radiator antifreeze in your windshield washer.It can damage your paint. I Cruise Control (OPTION) With Cruise Control,you can maintain a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot on the accelerator. This can really help on long trips. Cruise Control does not work at speeds below about 25mph (40 km/h). When you apply your brakes, or push the clutch pedal, if you have a manual transaxle, the Cruise Control shutsoff. To Set Cruise Control 1. Push the end of the Cruise Control lever. The “CRUISE’ light on the instrument panel will come on. 61 . . Features and Controls To Increase Speed While Using Cruise Control 2. Get up to the speed you want. 3. Push the lever down to “SET/COAST” and release it. 4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal. ... 62 There are two ways to go to a higher speed. Here’s the first: 1. Use the accelerator pedal to get to the higher speed. 2. Push the lever to “SETKOAST” and hold it for less than a second. Release the lever and the accelerator pedal. You’ll now cruise at the higher speed. Here’s the secondway to go to a higher To Resume a Set Speed speed: Suppose you set your Cruise Control at a 0 Move the Cruise lever from“ON’ to desired speed and then you apply the “RES/ACC.” Hold it there until you brake. This, of course, shuts off the get up to the speedyou want, and then Cruise Control. Butyou don’t need to release the lever. reset it. Unless you’re going about25 0 To increase your speedin very small mph (40k m h ) or less or you slowed amounts, move the leverto down to 10 mph ( 16 km/h) less than your “RES/ACC” for less than half a preset speed, you can press the lever uptc3 second and then release it. Each time “RES/ACC” for about half a second. you do this, your vehicle will go about You’ll go right back up to your chosen 1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster. speed and stay there. If your preset speed cancels out whenit shouldn’t, there may be a problem with your Cruise Control. See your dealer. To Reduce Speed While Using Cruise Control There are two ways to reduce your speed while using cruise control: Push the lever to “SET/COAST” until you reach the lower speedyou want, then release it. To slow down in very small amounts, push the lever for less than halfa second. Eachtime you do this, you’ll go 1 mph (1.6 kmh) slower. Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control Use the accelerator pedalto increase your speed. When you take your foot off the pedal, your vehicle will slow downto the Cruise Control speed you set earlier. Using Cruise Control on Hills How well your Cruise Control will work on hills depends upon your speed, load, and the steepnessof the hills. When going up steep hills, you may have to step on the accelerator pedal to maintain your speed. When going downhill, you may have to brake or shift to a lower gear to keep your speed down.Of course, applying the brake takesyou out of Cruise Control. Many drivers find this to be too much trouble and don’t use Cruise Control on steep hills. To Get Out of Cruise Control There are several ways to turn off the Cruise Control: 1. Step lightly on the brake pedal or push the clutch pedal, if you have a manual transaxle. 2. Move the shift lever to “ N ’ (Neutral) if you have an automatic transaxle. 3. Press the Cruise “ON-OFF’’ button again or pull the lever toward you to cancel. II Mirrors I:nside Daymight Rearview Mirror Pin inside rearview mirror is attached to Y our roof. The mirror hasa pivot so that ~ O Ucan adjust itup and down or sideto Side. 7 tou can adjust the mirrorfor day or nigh Clriving. Pull the tabfor night driving to r‘educe glare. Pushthe tab for daytime cIriving. To Erase Speed Memory When you turn off the Cruise Control or the ignition, your Cruise Control set speec1 memory is erased. 63 ... Features and Controls Convex Outside Mirror Your right side mirror may be convex. A convex mirror’s surface is curved so you can see more from the driver’s seat. lanes. I Manual Adjust Mirrors Adjust these mirrors by hand so that you can just see theside of your vehicle when you are sitting in a comfortable driving position. .. 6 4 Electric Mirror Control(Option) The electric mirror control is to the left of your steering wheel.To adjust either mirror, move the switch to“L,” (left) or “R’ (right). Then use the round touch pad to adjust the mirror.When you are done adjusting the mirrors, move the control back to the center. Sunroof You can tilt or open your sunroof. To tilt the sunroof, press the switch marked “UP.” Press the other endof the switch to lower the sunroof.Your ignition must be on for this switch to work. To open the sunroof, push the “SLIDE’ arrow that points to the rear of the vehicle. To close it, push the other arrow that points to the front of the vehicle. The sunroof will close partially then stop. Push the arrow again to close it completely. You can open the sunroof to any position. If the sunroof will not close, follow these 1. Close the sunroof by hand as far as it instructions: will go. Then find the special crank-shaped screwdriver in your tool 1. Remove the cover screw and take off bag. It is in your trunk. Insert the the sunroof control cover. screwdriver into the hole and turn it 2. Carefully remove the inside screw, clockwise until the sunroof is closed. washers and spacers. Be careful not to E5e sure to have the sunroof checked by lose this screw, the washers orthe Y‘our Geo dealer as soon as possible. spacers because the sunroofwon’t work without them. I os... Features and Controls Storage and Compartments Cupholder To open the cupholder, push and release the bar and the cupholder will slide out. With cups removed, pushit back in to store. ... 66 Console Storage Area A small storage areais in the console between the seats. If there is a cover, lift it up to access the storage area. Door Storage Compartments The driver's door has a maplstorage compartment. You may also have a storage compartment on your passenger door. Glove Box Visors To open the glove box door, squeeze the To block out glare, youcan swing down buttons. the visors. Always keep the glove box door closed You can also swing them to the side. while driving. Sun Visor Vanity Mirrors (Option) Swing down the sun visor. Pull down th cover to expose the vanity mirror. Features and Controls I Passenger Assist Grips Ashtrays and Lighter Your Geo may have assist grips. Front Ashtray Passengers can use the grips to help keep To their balance over rough roads or during Pull the door to open the ashtray. remove it, push down on the part marked sharp turns. “PUSH” at the back, then pull it out. Rear Ashtray You have an ashtray behind the console. Full the doorto open it. To remove it, press the tab and pull it out. l Don’t put papers and other things that bum into your ashtray.If you do, cigarettes or other smoking materials could set them on fire, causing damage. When you are done using the ashtray, push it back to close it. Cigarette Lighter To use the ligher, push the lighter in all the way and let go. When it’s ready, it will pop back by itself. The lighter won’t work if the key is in “LOCK.” NOTICE: Don’t hold a cigarette lighter in with your hand while it is heating. If you do, it won’t be able to back away from the heating element when it’s ready. That can make it overheat, damaging the lighter and the heating element. 69 ... Features and Controls ...70 lnstrument Panel 1. Side Window Defogger Vents 2. BrightnessControl 3. Turn Signamights ControllHeadlight Beam Lever 4. InstrumentCluster 5. Windshield Wiper Control 6. Windshield Washer Button 7. RearWindow Defogger 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. HazardWarningFlashers Glove Box Comfort Control System AudioSystem Cupholder Ashtray Coinholder 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. ShiftLever Lighter CruiseControl IgnitionSwitch Horn Tilt Wheel Lever HoodRelease Electric Mirror Control 71 ... Features and Controls you’ll need to know to drive safely and economically. If you have the optional cluster, your Your instrument cluster is designedto let instrument panel givesyou additional you know at a glance how your vehicle is information. The cluster includesa running. You’ll know how fast you’re tachometer. going, about how much fuel you have left in your fuel tank and manyother things Instrument Panel and Clusters I .72 Speedometer and Odometer Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h). Your odometer showshow far your vehicle has been driven, in miles. Trip Odometer The trip odometer can tellyou how far your vehicle has been driven since you last set the trip odometerto zero. To set the trip odometer to zero, press the knob. Tachometer The tachometer shows engine speedin thousands of revolutions per minute (rpm). I NOTICE: Do not operate the engine with the tachometer in the red area, or engine damage occur. may I I 73 ... Features and Controls Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators This section describesthe warning lights and gages thatmay be on your vehicle. The pictures will helpyou locate them. Warning lights and gages can signal that something is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to your warning lights and gages could also save you or others from injury. Warning lights go on when theremay be or is a problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As you will see in the details on the next few pages, somewarning lights come on briefly when youturn the ignition key just to let you know they’re working. If you are familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed when this happens. Gages can indicatewhen there may be or is a problem with oneof your vehicle’s functions. Often gages and warning lights work together to let you know when there’s a problem with your vehicle. When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows theremay ...74 be a problem, check the section that tells you what to do about it. Please follow the manual’s advice. Waiting todo repairs can be costly- and even dangerous.So please get to know your warning lights and gages. They’re a big help. Fuel Gage Your fuel gage shows abouthow much fuel is in your tank. The fuel gage works only when the ignition switchis “ON.’’ When the gage first indicates“E,” you still have a little fuel left (about oneor two gallons), but you need to get more right away. Here are four concerns some owners have had about the fuel gage. All these situations are normal and do not indicate that anything is wrong with the fuel gage. 0 At the gas station, the fuel pump shuts off before the gage reads“F?’ 0 It takes more (or less) fuel to fill up than the gage reads. For example, the gage readshalf full, but it took more (or less) than half of the tank’s capacity to fill it. The gage moves a little when you turn, stop or speed up. When you turn the engine off, the gage doesn’t go back to“E.” closer to the floor.It may take longer to stop, If the light isstill on, or if the anti-lock brake system warning light is flashing, have the vehicle towed for service. (See “Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light” and “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index.) Brake System WarningLight Your Geo’s hydraulic brake system is divided into two parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you need both parts working well. If the warning light comes on, there could be a brake problem. Have your brake system inspected rightaway. This 1ight.should comeon as you start the The brake system warning light willalso vehicle. If’itdoesn’t come onthen, have it come on when you set your parking fixed so it will be readyto warn you if brake, and it will stay on if your parking there’s a problem. brake doesn’t releasefully. If it stays on after your parking brake is fully released, If the light comes on whileyou are it means you have a brake problem. driving, pull off the road andstop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is harder to push. Or, the pedal maygo 75 ... Features and Controls See “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index.) Mi-Lock Brake System Warning Aght (Option) Mith anti-lock, this light will come on vhen you start your engine andit will ;tay onfor three seconds. That’s normal. .f the light doesn’t comeon, have it fixed 10 it will be ready to warn you if there’s.a Iroblem. :f the light flashes while you’redriving, v‘ou don’t have anti-lock brakes aqd .here’s a problem with your regular )rakes. Pulloff the road and stop :arefully. You may notice that the pedalis larder to push. Or, the pedal maygo :loser to the floor. It may take longerto stop. Have the vehicle towedfor service. ... /b inti-Lock Brake System Active Light ,Option) Nhen your anti-lock system is adjusting )rake pressureto help avoid a braking Lf the anti-lock brake system warning ;kid, the “ABS ACTIVE’ light will come light stays on longer than normal after In. Slippery road conditions may exist if you’ve started your engine,turn the .his light comes on,so adjust your driving ignition off. Or, if the light comes onand iccordingly. The light will stay onfor a stays on when you’redriving, stop as Few seconds after the system stops soon as possible and turnthe ignition off. idjusting brake pressure. The“ABS Then start the engine againto reset the 4CTIVE”’light.will also come on briefly, system. If the light still stayson, or comes %sa bulb check, when the engineis on again while you’redriving, your Geo jtarted. needs service.If the light is on but not flashing and the regular brake system warning light isn’t on, youstill have brakes, but you don’t have anti-lock brakes. have a problem with thefuse or bulb. Have it fixed right away. Sometimes when the engine is idling at a stop, the lightmay blink on and off. This is normal. If you make a hard stop, the light may come on for a moment. This is normal. Engine Coolant Temperature Gage This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the gage pointer moves into the red area, your engine is too hot! It means that your engine coolant has overheated. If you have been operating your vehicle under normaldriving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your vehicle andturn off the engine as soon as possible. HOT COOLANT CAN BURN YOU BADLY! In “Problems on the Road,” this manual shows what to do. See “Engine Overheating” in the Index. Engine Oil Pressure Light If you have a problem with youroil, this light may stay on after you start your engine, or come on when you are driving. This indicates that there is not enough oil pressure to keep yourengine properly lubricated and cool. The engine couldbe low on oil, or have some otheroil related problem. Have it fixed right away. The oil light couldalso come on in three other situations. When the ignition is on but the engine is not running, the light will come on as a test to show you it is working, but the light willgo out when you turn the ignition to “START.” If it doesn’t come on with the ignitionon, you may I NOTICE: I I Damage to your engine from neglected oil problems canbe costly and is not covered by your warranty. 77. I . Features and Controls NOTICE: If you keep driving your vehicle with this light on, aftera while the emission controls won’t work as well, your fuel economy won’t be as good and your enginemay not run as smoothly. This could leadto costly repairs not coveredby your warranty. Charging System Light This light will comeon briefly when you turn on the ignition, butthe engine is not running, as a check to show youit is working. Then it shouldgo out when the engine starts. If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving, you may have a problem with the electrical charging system, It could indicate that you have a loose generator drive beltor another electrical problem. Haveit checked right away. Driving while this lightis on could drain your battery. If you must drive a short distancewith the charging system light on,be certain to turn off all your accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner. ...78 Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) A computer monitors operation of your fuel, ignition and emission control systems. This light should come onwhen i: the ignition is turned on, but the engine not running, as acheck to show you it is working. If it does not come on at all, have it fixed right away. If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving, the computer is indicating thatyou have a problem. You should take your vehiclein for service soon. herdrive Off Light .f you have an automatic transaxle with herdrive, this light appears on your nstrument cluster. The light will come on whenever you turn off the Overdrive. Rear Window Defogger Light Door Warning Light rhis light will comeon whenever the rear This light stays on if any door is not window defogger is on. See “Rear completely closed. The light shouldalso Window Defogger” in the Index. come on briefly when you turn your key to “START.” If the light doesn’t come on as it should, have it fixed. 79. . Notes ...80 Part 3 Comfort Controls& Audio Systems I n this part you'll find out how to operate the comfort control systems and audio systems . Be sure offered with your Geo to read about the particular system supplied with your vehicle. Comfort Controls . . ............................... Heater Controls . . . . . . . . . . . ................................ Air Conditioner Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RearWindowDefogger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Flow-Through Ventilation System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4udioSystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Settingtheclock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AMFMStereo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . UnderstandingRadioReception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Care of Your Cassette Tape Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Care of Your Compact Discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 82 83 84 84 85 86 86 87 91 95 95 96 96 81 . . Comfort Controls -nd Audio Systems w: This j position directs the airflow toward the floor. 9.: This position directs the airflow ~9 toward the t’loor, the windshield and the side windows. : This position directs the airflow to the windshield and side windows. 9 Comfort Controls With this sytem you can controlthe heating and ventilation in your Geo. If you have the air conditioning option, you can also control cooling. Your vehicle also has the flow-through ventilation system described laterin this section. Heater Controls Airflow Knob 6 . 9 : This position directs the airflow through the instrument panel vents. c2 : This position directs the airflow through the instrument panel vents and toward the floor. ... 82 Fan Knob Turn the knob away from “OFF” to turn the heating system on. Turn the knob toward “HI” to increase the fan’sspeed. Heating 1. For the quickest results, move the air . intake lever to2. Turn the airflow knob to . 3. Turn the temperature knob clockwise for warmer air. 4. Turn the fan knob toward “HI.” 5. You should switch to &b once in a while to avoid stale air and cloudy windows. -2 Bi-Level Temperature Knob You may want to use bi-level on cool, but Turn the knob to change the temperature sunny days. This setting directs outside of the air flowing fromthe system. Turn air toward your body and warmer air toward your feet. the knob clockwise to increase the temperature. Turn the knob counter1. Movethe air intakeleverto . clockwise to decrease the temperature. 2. Turn the airflow knob to . The air temperature can’t be less than the 3. Turn the temperature knobto the outside air temperature. white area. Air Intake Lever 4. Turn the fan knob toward“HI.” Choose this position to recirculate the inside air through the comfort control system. : Choose this position to circulate outside air through the comfort control system. cs e: Ventilation Cooling For mild the outside temperatures, when very little heating is required, you canstill direct outside air through your vehicle. 1. Move the air intake lever to -. 2. Turn the airflow knob to . 3. Turn the temperature knob to a comfortable setting. 4. Turn the fan knob toward “HI.” &> Defogging and Defrosting Windows 1. Move the air intake lever to 2. Turn the airflowknobtoto direct air to the windshield vents. 3. Turn the temperature knob clockwise. 4. Turn the fan knob toward “HI.” When the windshield is clear, turn down the fan speed. To defog the side windows, turn the If you have the air airflow knob to conditioning option, push the “NC” button for quickerdefogging. cj. The air conditioner works best if you keep your windows closed. On very hot days, open the windowsjust long enoughfor the hot air toescape. 1. Push the “NC” button. 2. Move the air intake lever to-for normal cooling. For faster cooling move the lever to 3. Turn the airflow knob to . 4. Turn the temperature control knob Air Conditioner Controls(OPTION) counterclockwise. The air conditioning system uses thesame 5. Turn the fan knob to “HI.” controls as the heating system.The function of each control is explained Dehumidifying under “Heater Controls” in this part. The incoming air is cooled and dehumidified On days when it is raining or the humidity is high, follow these dehumidifying steps instead of being heated. instead of the coolingdirections. It will N C : Push this button to change your help clean windows that are cloudy with comfort control system from heating to moisture. air conditioning. A light will come on 1. Push the “NC”button. when the air conditioning is on. The 2. Move the air intake lever to=. “NC” button can also control the humidity in your vehicle. 3. Turn the airflow knob to 4. Turn the fan knob to “HI.” 5. Adjust the temperature knob to a comfortable setting. e. *> w. 83 ... Comfort Controls andAudio Systems Do not attach anything likea temporary dehicle license or a decal across the lefogger grid onthe rear window. NOTICE: Don’t use a razor blade or something else sharp on the inside of the rear window. If you do, you could cut or damage the warming grid, and the repairs wouldn’t be coveredby your warranty. Rear Window Defogger( o p m v ) rhe rear window defogger usesa the rear warming grid to remove fog from window. Press the switch to turn on the defogger. The defogger will stay on for about 14 minutes, then will shut off mtomatically. You can also turnit off by xessing the switch again. Useit only when the engine is running. Make sure you turn the defogger off when the window is clear. Leaving the defogger on For a long time could cause the battery to run down, especially during stop andgo driving. The defoggeris not designed for drying water or melting snow. ...84 Vow-Through Ventilation ;ystem !our Geo’s flow-through ventilation ystem supplies outside air into the fehicle when it is moving. Outside air vi11 also enter the vehicle when the heater Ir the air conditioning fan is running and he air intake lever is at-. Audio Systems Your Delco@audio system has been designed to operate easily and give years of listening pleasure. But you will get the most enjoyment out ofit if you acquaint yourself with it first. Find out what your Delco@ system cando and how to operate all its controls, to be sure you’re getting the most outof the advanced engineering that went into it. I Ventilation Tips Keep the hood andfront air inlet free of ice, snow, or anyother obstruction (such as leaves). The heater and defroster will work far better, reducin, the chance of fogging the inside of your windows. When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, move the fan lever toward “HI” for afew moments before driving off. This helps clear the intakc ducts of snow and moisture, and reduces the chance of fogging the inside of your windows. Keep the air path under the front seats clear of objects. This helps air to circulate throughout your vehicle. NOTICE: Before you add any sound equipment to your vehicle - like a tape player, CB radio, mobile telephone or two-way radio - be sure you can add what you want. If you can, it’s very important todo it properly. Added sound equipment may interfere with the operation of your vehicle’s engine, DelcoB radio or other systems, and even damage them. And, your vehicle’s systems may interfere with the operation of sound equipment that has been added improperly. So, before adding sound equipment, check with your dealer and be sure to check Federal rules covering mobile radio and telephone units. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems Setting the Clock AM/FM Stereo 1. Press and hold “RCL” (TIME SET). At the same time, press and hold “TUNE 4” (HR) until the correct hour appears. 2. Press and hold “RCL” (TIME SET). At the same time press and hold “TUNE b”(MIN) until the correct minute appears. AM/F” Stereo with CassetteTape Player 1. Press and hold “RCLPROG” (TIME SET). At the same time, press and hold “TUNE 4” (HR) until the correct hour appears. 2. Press and hold “RCLPROG” (TIME SET). At the same time press and hold “TUNE b”(MIN) until the correct minute appears. AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player 1. Press and hold “RCL VA” (TIME SET). At the same time, press and hold “TUNE 4” (HR) until the correct hour appears. 2. Press and hold “RCL VA” (TIME SET). At the same time press and hold “TUNE b”(MIN) until the correct minute appears. . .86 AMIFM Stereo To Play the Radio Turn the “ONNOL” knob to turnthe system on oroff. Volume: Turn the “ONNOL” knob to adjust the volume. Finding a Station Band: Press “AM-FM’ to get AM or FM. The lighted display shows your selection. n n e : Press “TUNE b”or “TUNE 4” to go to a higher or lower station. Press and hold to continue tuning and release when you find your station. The display will show the frequency of each station tuned. Seek: Press “SEEK b”or “SEEK 4” and the radio will tuneto the next higher or lower station and stay there. Pushbuttons: The six pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. To set the pushbuttons for up to 12 stations (6 AM and 6 FM), just: 1. Tune in the station. 2. Press and hold one of the pushbuttons for at least two seconds. The sound will go away for a second and will return when the station is stored. Repeat these steps for each pushbutton. Setting theTone Treble: Turn the “TREB” knob tothe right to hear more treble. Bass: Turn the “BASS” control behind the “TREB” knob to the rightto hear more bass. Adjusting the Speakers Fade: Turn the “FADE’ knob to move the sound between the front and rear speakers. Balance: Turn the ‘‘BAL” control behind the “FADE’ knob to move the sound between the left and right speakers. Recall Press “RCL” to see the station being played for a moment. ‘Or,press it if you want to see the time when the ignition is off. RADIO PRESET AMIFM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player To Play the Radio Turn the “ONNOL” knob to turn the system on or off. Volume: Turn the “ONNOL” knob to adjust the volume. Band: Press “AM-FM” to get AM, FM1 or FM2. The lighted display shows your selection. ’hne: Press “TUNE F”or “TUNE 4’ to go to higher or lower stations. Press and hold to continue tuning and release when you find your station. The display will show the frequency of each station tuned. Seek: Press “SEEK b”or “SEEK 4” and the radio will tune to the next higher or lower station and staythere. 87 ... Comfort Controls andAudio Systems Pushbuttons: The six pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. To set the pushbuttons for up to 18 stations (6 AM, 6 F M 1 and 6 FM2), just: 1. Tune in the station. 2. Press and hold one of the pushbuttons for more than two seconds. The sound will go away for a second and will return when the station is stored. Repeat these stepsfor each pushbutton. Preset Scan:Press the “PRESET SCAN” button to hear eachof your preset stations for a few seconds. When you want to stop at a chosen station, press “PRESET SCAN” again. ettings designed for “ROCK,” “NEWS,” ‘POP,”‘‘JAZZ” and “CLASSICAL.” ‘ROCK” will appear whenyou first press ‘TONE SELECT.” Each time you press t, another setting will appear on the lisplay. Press it after “CLASSICAL” and one control will be back to the treble and )ass knobs. ’he longer side withthe tape visible hould face to the right. If you hear lothing or hear just a garbled sound, it nay not be in squarely. Press“,A7’ to emove the tape and start over. h c e the tapeis playing, use the knobs or volume, fade and balance,just as you €0for radio. The lighted arrows show which side of the tape is playing. hdjusting the Speakers Metal Tapes: Your bias is set Fade: Turn the “FADE” knobto move the mtomatically. Whena metal or chrome sound between thefront and rear [ape is inserted, “MTL” will appear the on speakers. display. Balance: Turn the “BAL” control behind Fast Forward:Press “FF”to advance he “FADE’ knob to move the sound *apidlyto another partof the tape. Press letween the right and left speakers. ‘FF,” “RCLPROG’ or “mA” to return to ?laying speed. Setting theTone Recall Rewind: Press “REW’ to reverse the tape Treble: Turn the “TREB” knobto the Press “RCL” to see the station being rapidly. Press “REW,” “RCLRROG’ or right to hear more treble. ‘.A’ to return to playing speed. Bass: Turn the“BASS” control behindthe played for a moment. Or, press itif you want to see the time when the ignition is Next Selection: Press “NEXT” to go “TREB” knob to the right to hear more off. forward to the beginningof the next bass. selection. Press“NEXT” ‘againor press Treble and bass cannot be adjusted To Play a CassetteTape A.“ to cancel this “RCLPROG’ or” manually when “TONESELECT” is on. Your tape player is built to work best with function. Loud: To increase the bass tone at low tapes that are 30 to 45 minutes long on For “NEXT.” to work properly, your tape volumes, press the“LOUD’ button. each side. Tapes longer than that are so must have at least three or four seconds of Tone Select: Press “TONE SELECT” to thin they may not work well in this playel silence between each selection. choose preset treble and bass equalization ..A8 Previous Selection:Press “PREV” to go back to the beginning of the last selection. Press “PREV” again or press ’ A . “ to cancel this “RCLPROG’ or , function. Program: Press “RCLPROG” to switch from one side of the tape to the other. Your cassette tape player can play continuously because the player has an auto-reverse feature. Noise Reduction:Press 00 @toremove noise from Dolby@B NR-encoded tapes. Dolby@B Noise Reduction manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. @symbolare “Dolby@”and the trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Eject: Press” A.“ to remove the tape 1 and switch to radio. Radio Monitor: Press the “RADIO ’ MNTR” button to hear the radio when you are fast forwarding or reversing a cassette tape. You can use the “TUNE,” “SEEK’ and “PRESET-SCAN” buttons while in the radio monitor mode. an ~ ~ 1 Theft Deterrent Feature You are now ready to enter your security The theft detenent,.featurefor the AMPM :ode. Don’t wait more than 15 seconds between steps. stereo with cassette tape player can be used or ignored. If ignored, the system 5. Press “4SEEK b” or ‘‘4TUNE b” plays normally. If it is used, your system and “0000” will appear onthe won’t be usable if it’sever stolen. display. 6. Press “SEEKI” and hold it until the Setting Your Security Code first digit of your code appears. The instructions below tell you howto Release the button. enter a security codeinto the system. If 7. Press “SEEK and hold it until the your vehicle loses battery power for any second digitof your code appears. reason, you mustenter the security code Release the button. again beforethe system will turn on. 8. Press “TUNE 4’’ and hold it until the 1. Write down any four-digit number and third digit of your code appears. keep it ina safe place. Release the button. 2. Turn on the ignition switch to the 9. Press “TUNE and hold it until the “ACC” or “ON’ position. fourth digit of your code appears. 3. Turn the audio system off. Release the button. 4. Press the “1” and “4” buttons together. I O . Press “AM-FM” after you have Hold them down until“- - - -” shows checked thatthe code you enteredis on the display. the one you wrote down. “rEP” will appear in the display, which means you need to repeat steps 5 through 9. 11. Press “AM-FM”again and the display will now show “SEC.” ,” ,” 89 ... Comfort Controls andAudio Systems How to Shut Off the Theft-Deterrent Feature If your radio issec..,ed (“SEC” shows on the display) and you wish to disable it, enter your security code as follows, pausing no more than 15 seconds between steps: 1. Press the “1” and “4” buttons together. Hold them down until “SEC” shows on the display. You are now ready to enter your security code. 2. Press the “SEEKI” button and hold it until the first digitof your code appears. 3. Press the “SEEK b”button and hold it until the second digitof your code appears. 4. Press the “TUNE 4” button and hold it until the third digitof your code appears. ... 90 ,” 5. Press the “TUNE button and hold it until the fourth digitof your code appears. 6. Press “AM-F”’ after you have checked that the code you entered matches the one you wrote down. _ _ - -” should now appear in the display. [f the code is correct, the radiowill now Dperate. If the code is wrong, “Err” will appear in the display. 6b To Unlock the System Aftera Power Loss If power is disrupted to the radio while in the “SEC” mode, the unit will not work and “LOC’ will show on the display whenever the ignition is on. To unlock the unit: 1. Press “4SEEK or ‘b4 TUNE b” and “0000” will appear on the display. 2. Press the “SEEKq” button and hold it until the first digit of your code appears. 3. Press the “SEEK button and hold it until the second digitof your code appears. 4. Press the “TUNE4’’ button and hold it untilthe third digit of your code appears. 5. Press the “TUNE b” button and hold it until the fourth digit of your code appears. 6. Press “AM-FM”after you have checked that the code matches the one you wrote down. Now“SEC” will appear on the display. ,” ,” LOU0 AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and Compact Disc p/ayer To Play the Radio Turn the “ONNOL” knob to turn the system on or off. Volume: Turn the “ONNOL,” knob to adjust the volume. I Finding a Station Band: Press “AM-FM” to get AM, FM 1 or FM2. The lighted display shows your selection. ’lhne: Press and hold “TUNE b”or “TUNE 4” to go to higher or lower stations. Release when you find your station. The display will show the frequency of each station tuned. Seek: Press “SEEK b”or “SEEK 4” and the radio will tune to the next higher or lower station and staythere. Pushbuttons: The six pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. To set the pushbuttons for up to 18 stations (6 AM, 6 FMl and 6 FM2), just: 1. Tune in the station. 2. Press and hold one of the pushbuttons for more than two seconds. The sound will go away for a second and will return whenthe station is stored. Repeat these steps for each pushbutton. Preset Scan:Press the “PSCAN’ button to hear eachof your preset stations for a few seconds. When you want to stop at a chosen station, press “PSCAN’ again. Setting theTone Treble: Turn the “TREB” knob to the right to hear more treble. Bass: Turn the“BASS” control behind the “TREB” knob to the right to hear more bass. Loud: To increase the bass tone at low volumes, press the “LOUD” button. 91 . . Comfort Controls andAudio Systems :ach side. Tapes longer than that areso Tone Select: Press “TONE SELECT” to choose preset treble and bass equalization hin they may not work well inthis player. settings designedfor “ROCK,” “NEWS,” rhe longer side with the tape visible “POP,” “JAZZ” and “CLASSICAL.” ;hould face to the right.If you hear “ROCK’ will appearwhen you first press lothing or hear just a garbled sound, it nay not be in squarely. Press“STOF’” or “TONE SELECT.” Each time you press ‘EJECT” to remove the tape andstart it, another setting will appear on the wer. display. Press it after “CLASSICAL,” and tone control will be back the to treble and 3nce the tapeis playing, usethe knobs bass knobs. ror volume, fade and balance,just as you io for radio. The lighted arrowsshow Adjusting the Speakers which side of the tapeis playing. Fade: Turn the “FADE’ knob to move the Metal Tapes: Your bias is set sound betweenthe front and rear automatically. When a metal or chrome speakers. tape is inserted, “MTL” will appear on the display. Balance: Turn the “BAL” control behind the “FADE’ knob to move the sound Fast Forward: Press “FF”to advance between the right and left speakers. rapidly to another part of the tape. Press “FF,” “RCLIA” or “STOP” to return to Recall playing speed. Press “RCLIA” to see the station being Rewind: Press “REW’ to reverse the tape played for a moment. Or, pressit if you rapidly. Press “REW,” “RCLIA” or want to see the time when the ignition is “STOP” to return to playing speed. Off. Next Selection: Press “NXT’ to go forward to the beginningof the next To Play a CassetteTape selection. Press “NXT” again or press Your tape player is built to work best with “RCLVA” or “STOP”to cancel this tapes that are 30 to 45 minutes long on function. ..- 9 2 Previous Selection: Press “PRV’ to go back to the beginningof the last selection. Press “PRV” again or press “RCLVA” or ”STOP” to cancel this function. For “NXT” and “PRV’ to work properly, your tape must have at least three or four seconds of silence between each selection. Repeat: Press “FWT”to go to the beginning of the selection and play it again. Press “RPT”again to cancel this function. Noise Reduction:Press 00 @toremove noise from Dolby@€3 NR-encoded tapes. Dolby@B Noise Reduction manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. “Dolby@”and the00 symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Radio Monitor:When playing a tape, press “RDM’ during “FF” or “REW’ to hear the radio. Press“RDM’ again to turn the radio off. During “RDM’ operation, only “TUNE,” “SEEK” and “PSCAN” will work. Tape Sides:Press “RCLVA” to switch from one sideof the tapeto the other. @ 1 Stop: Press “STOP” to stop the tape and switch to radio. Eject: Press “EJECT” to remove the tape and switchto radio. Previous ’hack: Press “PRV” to hear a track again. If you hold this button, or press it more than once, thedisc will return to previous tracks. Next ’hack: Press “NXT” to hear the To Play a Compact Disc next tracknow (instead of waiting until the present track isfinished). Don’t use the mini-discs (3’’ singles). They won’t eject. Use full-size compact If you hold this button,or press it more discs. than once, thedisc will advance further. Insert your disc into the CD slot on your Rewind: Press and hold“REW’to return audio system. rapidly to a favorite passage. Releaseit to play the passage. If the disc comes back out, it could be that: Fast Forward:Press and hold“F’F” to advance quickly withina track. Release it 0 The disc is upside down. to resume playing. It is dirty, scratched, or wet. Compression: Press “COMP” to make 0 There is too much moisture in the air. soft and loud passages more nearly equal (If there is, wait about one hour and in volume. try again.) Repeat: Press “RPT”once to hear a If you see “Err”on the display, thedisc selection over again. player is too hot to play the disc. Press Random: Pressing “RDM’ will cause the “RCLVA” to take “Err” off the display. CD player to play the tracks back in Track Number and Playing Time: Press random order. To cancel the random “RCLVA” to see which trackis playing. feature, press “RDM,” “STOP’ or “RPT.” Press it again withinfive seconds to see Stop: Press “STOP” to stop playing the how long it has been playing. disc and switch to radio. Press “STOP” The track number also appears when the again to restart the disc at the point where disc is inserted or you change the volume. it stopped. Press “AM-FM”to cancel CD operation and listento the radio. stop: CD-Tape:Press “CD-Tape” to switch between playing a tape and a CD when both are inserted. Eject: Press “EJECT” to eject the disc and the radio will play. The disc will start playing at track1 when you reinsert it. Special Eject If you choose, you can eject only the tape or CD when you have both a CD and a tape in your audio system. CD Only: To eject only the CD, press “EJECT” and then press“REW.’’ Tape Only: To eject only the tape, press “EJECT” and then press “PRY” Theft Deterrent Feature The theft deterrentfeature for the A I ” stereo with cassette tape and compactdisc player canbe used or ignored. If ignored, the system plays normally.If it isused, your system won’tbe usable if it’s ever stolen. 93 ... Comfort Controls and AudioSystems Setting Your Security Code The instructions belowtell you how to enter a security code into the system. If your vehicle loses battery power for any reason, you must enter the security code again beforethe system will turn on. 1. Write down any four-digit number and keep it in a safe place. 2. Turn on the ignition switch to the “ACC” or “ON’ position. 3. Turn the audio system off. 4. Press the “1” and “4” buttons together. Hold them down until“- - - -” shows on the display. You are now ready to enter your security code. Don’t wait more than 15 seconds between steps. 5. Press “4SEEK b”or “4TUNE b” and “0000” will appear on the display. 6. Press “SEEKd” and hold it until the first digit of your code appears. Release the button. 7. Press “SEEK b”and hold it until the second digit of your code appears. Release the button. ...94 8. Press “TUNE 4”and hold it until the third digit of your code appears. Release the button. 9. Press “TUNE b”and hold it until the fourth digitof your code appears. Release the button. IO. Press “AM-FM” after you have checked that the codeyou entered is the one you wrote down. “rEP” will appear in the display, which means you need to repeat steps5 through 9. d l . Press “AM-FM”again and the display will now show “SEC.” 3. Press the “SEEK b”button and hold it until the second digitof your code appears. 4. Press the ‘‘TUNE 4 ’ button and hold it untilthe third digit of your code appears. 5. Press the “TUNE b”button and hold it until thefourth digit of your code appears. 6. Press “AM-FM”after you have checked that the code you entered matches the one you wrote down. - - -” should now appear in the display. How to Shut Off the Theft-Deterrent If the codeis correct, the radio willnow Feature operate. If the code is wrong, “Err”will If your radio is secured (“SEC” shows on appear in the display. the display) and you wish to disable it, To Unlock the System Aftera Power enter your security codeas follows, pausing no more than 15 seconds between LOSS steps: If power is disrupted to the radio while in 1. Press the “1” and “4” buttons together. the “SEC” mode, the unit will not work Hold them down until “SEC” shows and “LOC” will show on the display whenever the ignitionis on. To unlock the on the display. You are now ready to unit: enter your security code. 1. Press “4SEEK b”or “4TUNE b” 2. Press the “SEEK+” button and hold it and “0000” will appear onthe display. until the first digit of your code appears. 64- 2. Press the “SEEK4” button and holdit Understanding Radio Reception until the first digitof your code appears. FM Stereo 3. Press the “SEEKF”button and holdit FM stereo will giveyou the best sound. until the second digitof your code But FM signals will reach only about10 appears. to 40 miles ( 16 to 65 km).And, tall 4. Press the “TUNE4” button and hold buildings or hills can interfere withFM it until the third digit of your code signals, causing the sound to come and appears. go. 5. Press the “TUNEb”button and hold AM it until the fourth digit of your code The range for mostAM stations is greater appears. than for FM, especially at night. The 6. Press “AM-FM’ after you have checked that the code matches the one longer range, however, can cause stations to interfere with each other. AM can pick you wrote down. Now “SEC” will up noise from things like storms and appear on the display. power lines. Try reducing the treble to reduce this noise if you ever get it. Care of Your Cassette Tape Player A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes, or a damaged mechanism. Cassette tapes should be storedin their cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight, and extreme heat. If they aren’t, they may not operate properly or cause failure of the tape player. Your tape player should be cleaned regularly each month or after every 15 hours of use. If you notice a reduction in sound quality, try a known good cassette to see if the tape orthe tape player is at fault. If this other cassette hasno improvement in sound quality, clean the tape player. 95 ... Comfort Controls andAudio Systems Clean your tape player witha wiping-action, non-abrasive cleaning cassette, and follow the directions provided with it. Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may degrade over time. Always make sure thatthe cassette tape is in good condition before you have your tape player serviced. ... 96 Care of Your Compact Discs Antenna 3andle discs carefully. Store themin thei Iriginal cases or other protective cases tnd away from direct sunlight and dust. 'f the surface of a disc is soiled, dampen 1 clean, soft clothin a mild, neutral ietergent solution and cleanit, wiping iom the center to theedge. 3e sure never to touch the signalsurface when handling discs. Pick up discs by grasping the outer edgesor the edge of he hole and the outer edge. Use the knob on the endof the antenna to raise the antenna.To lower it, hold the antenna mast near theroof and feed it into the holder. Do not try to lower the antenna using the knob. Keep theantenna mast clean for good performance. Always lower the antenna beforeentering a car wash. . 4 Part Your Driving and the Road 1 H e r e you^ find information about driving on different kinds of roads andin varying weather conditions. We’ve also included many other useful tipson driving. DefensiveDriving ................................................. DrunkenDriving .................................................. Control of a Vehicle ............................................... DrivingatNight .................................................. Driving in the Rain ................................................ CityDriving ..................................................... Freeway Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hill and Mountain Roads ... ................................... Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Towing a Trailer .................................................. 98 98 100 106 107 108 109 111 112 114 97 ... Your Driving and the Road Defensive Driving The Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)of someone who is drinking dependsupon The best advice anyone can give about Death and injury associated with drinking four things: driving is: Drive defensively. and driving is a national tragedy. It’s the 0 How much alcohol is in the drink. Please start with a very important safety number one contributor to the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims 0 The drinker’s body weight. device in your Geo: Buckle up. (See every year. Alcohol takes away three 0 The amount of food that is consumed “Safety Belts” in the Index.) things that anyone needs todrive a before and during drinking. Defensive driving really means “be ready vehicle: e The length of time it has taken the for anything.” On city streets, rural roads, drinker to consume the alcohol. or freeways,it means “always expectthe 0 Judgment 0 MuscularCoordination unexpected.” Assume that pedestrians or other drivers 0 Vision .are going to be careless and make Police records show that almost half of mistakes. Anticipate what they might do. all motor vehicle-related deaths involve Be ready for their mistakes. alcohol - a driver, a passenger or Rear-end collisions are aboutthe most someone else, such as a pedestrian, had preventable of accidents. Yet they are been drinking. In most cases, these common. Allow enough following deaths are the resultof someone who was drinking and driving. About20,000 distance. It’s the best defensivedriving maneuver, in both city and rural driving. motor vehicle-related deaths occur each You never know when the vehicle in front year because of alcohol, and thousands of you is going to brake or turn suddenly. of people are injured. Just how much alcohol is too muchif a person plans to drive? Ideally,no one should drink alcohol and then drive. But if one does, then what’s “too much”? It can be a lot less than many might think. Although it depends on each person and situation, here is some general information on the problem. Drunken Driving But it’s very important to keep in mind that the ability to drive is affected well RESLm uum A BAG OF ;O5% below a BAC of 0.10 percent. Research IN THE TIME SHOWN shows that the drivingskills of many people are impaired ata BAC approaching 0.05 percent, and that the effects are worse at night. All drivers are impaired at BAC levels above0.05 percent. Statistics show that the chance of being in an accidentincreases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of 0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level of According to the American Medical 0.06 percent (three beers in one hourfor a Association, a 180-pound (82kg) person 180-pound or 82 kg person) has doubled who drinks three 12-ounce (355 ml) his or her chanceof having an accident. bottles of beer inan hour will end up with At a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the a BAC of about 0.06 percent. The person rhe law in most U.S. states sets the legal chance of that driver havingan accident is imit at a BAC of 0.10 percent.In Canada would reach the same BAC by drinking six times greater; at a level of 0.15 three 4-ounce (1 20 ml) glasses of wine or he limit is 0.08 percent, and in some Ither countries it’s lower than that. The percent, the chances are twenty-five times three mixed drinks if each had 1- 1/2 3AC will be over0.10 percent after three yeater! And, the body takes aboutan ounces (45 ml)of a liquor like whiskey, lour to rid itselfof the alcohol inone o six drinks (in one hour). Of course, as gin or vodka. Irink.No amount of coffee or number of ve’ve seen, it depends on how much It’s the amount of alcohol that counts. For lcohol is in the drinks, and how quickly :old showers will speedthat up. example, if the same persondrank three ‘1’11 be careful” isn’t the right answer. he person drinks them. double martinis (3 ounces or 90 ml of Nhat if there’s an emergency,a need to liquor each) within an hour, the person’s ake sudden action, as whena child darts BAC would beclose to 0.12 percent. A nto the street? A person with a higher person who consumesfood just before or 3AC might not beable to react quickly during drinking will havea slightly lower nough to avoid the collision. BAC level. Dr””””GTHAT WILL I 99 ... Your Driving and the Road There’s somethingelse about drinking and driving that many people don’tknow. Medical research showsthat alcohol ina person’s system can makecrash injuries worse. That’s especially truefor brain, spinal cord and heartinjuries. That means that if anyone who has been drinkingdriver or passenger- is in a crash, the chance of being killed or permanently disabled is higher than if that person had not been drinking. And we’ve already seen that the chanceof a crash itself is higher for drinking drivers. .. .IO0 Braking 3raking action involvesp e time tnd reaction ?irst, you haveto decide to push on the )rake pedal. That’s perception time. Then IOU have to bring upyour foot and do it. fiat’s reaction time. m. 4veragereaction is about 314 of a second. But that’s onlyan average. It might be less with one driver andas long 2s two or three seconds or more with mother. Age, physical condition, Control of a Vehicle dertness, coordination, and eyesightall You have three systems that make your play a part. So do alcohol, drugs and vehicle go whereyou want it to go. They frustration. But even in3/4 of a second, a are the brakes, the steering and the vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) accelerator. All three systems have todo travels 66 feet (20 m). That couldbe a lot their work at the places where the tires of distance in an emergency,so keeping meet the road. enough space between your vehicle and Sometimes, as when you’re driving on others is important. of those And, of course, actual stopping distances snow or ice, it’s easy to ask more control systems than the tires and road vary greatly with thesurface of the road can provide. That means you canlose (whether it’s pavement or gravel);the control of your vehicle. condition of the road (wet,dry, icy); tire tread; and the conditionof your brakes. Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts - heavy acceleration followedby heavy braking -rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out muchfaster if you do alot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means better braking and longer brake life. If your engine ever stops while you’re driving, brake normally but don’t pump your brakes. If you do, the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But you will useit when you brake. Once the power assist is used up, it may take longer tostop and the brake pedal will be harder to push. Anti-lock Brakes (Option) If your Geo has this system, yourGeo has an advanced electronic braking system that will help prevent skidding. If you have an anti-lock brake system (ABS), the brake pedal will sayso. md this light on the instrument panelwil o on when you start your vehicle. Vhen you start your vehicle, or when yo[ egin to drive away, you may hear a lomentary motor orclicking noise. And ou may even notice that your brake edal moves a little while this is goingon ‘his is the ABS system testing itself.If lere’s a problem with the anti-lock brake ystem, the anti-lock brake system taming light will stay on or flash. See Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light‘ 1 the Index. 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. You slam on the brakes. Here’s what happens with ABS. 4 computer senses that wheelsare slowing down.If one of the wheels is 3bout to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at eachfront wheel and at the rear wheels. The anti-lock system can changethe xake pressure faster than any driver :odd. The computer is programmedto make the most of available tire and road conditions. 101 . < Your Driving andthe Road I locking the wheels.If you hear or feel the working, or you may notice some noise, wheels sliding, ease off the brake pedal. 1but this is normal. When your anti-lock system is adjusting brake pressure to help I’his will help you retain steeringcontrol. iavoid a braking skid, the “ABS ACTIVE” (If you& have anti-lock, it’s different: 1light will come on. See “Anti-Lock Brake see the Index under “Anti-Lock Brakes.”) [n many emergencies, steering can help System Active Light” in the Index. you more than even the very best braking. 1Braking in Emergencies Steering At some time, nearly every driver gets into a situation that requires hard braking. Power Steering (Option) If you have anti-lock,you can steer and If you lose power steering assist because brake at the same time. However,if you You can steer around theobstacle while don’t have anti-lock, yourfirst reaction - the engine stopsor the system is not braking hard. it will take to hit the brake pedal hard and hold it functioning, you can steer but As you brake, your computer keeps much more effort. down - may be the wrong thing to do. receiving updates on wheel speed and Your wheels can stop rolling. Once they controls braking pressure accordingly. Steering Tips io, the vehicle can’t respondto your Remember: Anti-lock doesn’t change the !steering. Momentum will carryit in Driving on Curves time you need to get yourfoot up to the whatever directionit was headed when It’s important to take curves ata brake pedal. If you get too close to the 1the wheels stopped rolling. That could be reasonable speed. vehicle in front of you, you won’t have off the road, into thevery thing you were A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents time to apply your brakesif that vehicle 1trying to avoid, or into traffic. on the news happen on curves. mentioned suddenly slows or stops. Always leave If you don’t have anti-lock, use a Here’s why: enough roomup ahead to stop, even “squeeze” braking technique.This will though you have anti-lock brakes. Experienced driver or beginner, each of give you maximum braking while maintaining steering control. You do this us is subjectto the same lawsof physics To Use Anti-Lock when driving on curves. The tractionof by pushing on the brake pedal with the tires againstthe road surface makesit Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the steadily increasing pressure.In an possible for the vehicleto change its path brake pedal down andlet anti-lock work emergency you will probably want to when you turn the front wheels.If there’s for you. You may feel the system “squeeze” the brakes hard without 1 I I f 1 ( . . .IO2 no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If you’ve ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you’ll understand this. The traction youcan get in a curve depends on the conditionof your tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you’re in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly apply the brakes. Both control systems - steering and braking-have to dotheir work where the tires meet the road. Unless you have four-wheel anti-lock brakes, adding the hard braking can demandtoo much of those places. You can lose control. The same thing can happen if you’re steering through a sharp curve and you suddenly accelerate. Those two control systems - steering and accelerationcan overwhelm those places where the tires meet the road and make you lose control. What should youdo if this ever happens? Ease up on the brakeor accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle theway you want it to go, and slow down. Speed limit signs near curveswarn that you should adjust your speed.Of course, the posted speedsare based on good weather and road conditions. Under less favorable conditions you’ll want to go slower. If you need to reduce your speedas you approach a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead. Try to adjust your speedso you can “drive” through the curve. Maintain a brakes - but, unless you have anti-lock, reasonable, steady speed.Wait to not enough to lock your wheels.It is accelerate until you are out of the curve, better to removeas much speed as you and then accelerate gentlyinto the can from a possible collision. Then steer straightaway. around the problem, to the left or right Steering in Emergencies depending on the space available. There are times when steering canbe An emergency like this requires close more effective than braking. For example, attention and a quick decision.If you are you come over a hill and find a truck holding the steering wheel at the stopped in yourlane, or a car suddenly recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, pulls out from nowhere,or a child darts you can turnit a full 180 degrees very out from between parkedcars and stops quickly without removingeither hand. right in front of you. You can avoidthese But you haveto act fast, steer quickly, problems by braking -if you can stop in and just asquickly straighten the wheel time. But sometimes you can’t;there isn’t once you have avoided the object. room. That’sthe time for evasive action The fact that such emergency situations - steering around the problem. are always possibleis a good reasonto Your Geo can perform very well in practice defensive driving atall times and emergencies like these. First apply your wear safety belts properly. 103. I Your Driving and the Road Passing The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a two-lane highway waits for just the right moment, accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goes back into the right lane again.A simple maneuver? Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on a two-lane highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the passing vehicle occupies the same lane as oncoming traffic for several seconds.A (Iff-Road Recovery miscalculation, an error injudgment, or a 7llou may find sometimethat your right brief surrender to frustrationor anger can \wheels have dropped off the edgeof a suddenly put the passing driver face to r.oad onto the shoulder (A) while you’re face with the worst of all traffic accidents driving. - the head-on collision. 1 1F the levelof the shoulder is only slightly So here are some tips for passing: blelow the pavement, recovery should be 0 “Drive ahead.” Look downthe road, fiairly easy. Easeoff the accelerator and to the sides, andto crossroads for tlhen, if there is nothing in the way, steer situations that might affect your S o that your vehicle straddlesthe edge of passing patterns. If you have any tlhe pavement. You can turn the steering doubt whatsoever about makinga V vheel up to 1/4 turn (B) until the right successful pass, waitfor a better time. f ront tire contacts the pavement edge. 0 Watch for traffic signs, pavement 1’hen turn your steering wheelto go markings, and lines. If you can see a Straight down the roadway. sign up ahead that might indicatea turn or an intersection, delayyour pass. A broken center line usually I . .IO4 0 0 indicates it’sall right to pass (providing the road ahead is clear). Never cross a solid line on your side of the laneor a double solidline, even if the road seems emptyof approaching traffic. Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to pass while you’re awaitingan opportunity. For one thing, following too closely reduces your areaof vision, especiallyif you’re followinga larger vehicle. Also,you won’t have adequate spaceif the vehicle ahead suddenly slows or stops. Keep back a reasonable distance. When it looks likea chance to pass is coming up, start to accelerate but stay in the right lane and don’t get too close. Time your moveso you will be increasing speed as the time comes to move into the other lane.If the way is clear to pass, you will have a “running start” that more than makes for up the distance you would loseby dropping back. And if something happensto cause you to cancel your pass,you need only slow down and drop back again and wait for another opportunity. 0 0 0 0 0 If other cars are lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait your turn. But take care that someone isn’t tryingto pass you as youpull out to pass the slow vehicle. Remember to glance over your shoulder and check the blind spot. Check your mirrors,glance over your shoulder, and start your left lane change signal before moving out of the right lane to pass. When youare far enough ahead of the passed vehicle to see its frontin your inside mirror, activate your right lane change signal and move backinto the right lane. (Remember that your right outside mirror is convex. The vehicle youjust passed may seem to be farther away from you than it really is.) Try not to pass more than one vehicle at a time on two-lane roads. Reconsider before passingthe next vehicle. Don’t overtake a slowly moving vehicle too rapidly. Even though the brake lights are not flashing, it may be slowing downor starting to turn. If you’re being passed, makeit easy for the following driver to get ahead of you. Perhaps you can ease a little to A cornering skid and an acceleration skid the right. e;%.+vi:*;. . !” p are best handled by easing yourfoot off .. the accelerator pedal. Loss of Control If your vehiclestarts to slide, ease your Let’s review what driving experts say foot off the accelerator pedal and quickly about what happens whenthe three steer the way you want the vehicleto go. 2ontrol systems (brakes, steering and If you start steering quickly enough’, your acceleration) don’t have enoughfriction vehicle may straighten out. Alwaysbe where the tires meet the roadto do what ready for a second skidif it occurs. the driver has asked. Of course, tractionis reduced when water, In any emergency, don’t give up. Keep snow, ice, gravel,or other materialis on trying to steerand constantly seek an the road. For safety, you’ll wantto slow escape routeor area of less danger. down and adjust your drivingto these conditions. It is important to slow down Skidding on slippery surfaces because stopping [n a skid, a driver can lose controlof the distance will be longer and vehicle control more limited. vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to While driving ona surface with reduced zxisting conditions, and by not traction, try your best to avoid sudden “overdriving” those conditions. But skids steering, acceleration, or braking we always possible. (including engine brakingby shifting to a lower gear). Any sudden changes could The three types of skids correspondto cause the tires to slide. You may not your Geo’s three control systems.In the realize the surface is slippery until your braking skid your wheels aren’trolling. In vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize the steering or cornering skid, too much warning clues - such as enough water, speed or steering in a curve causes tires to ice or packed snow on the roadto make a slip and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid too much throttle causes “mirrored surface”- and slow down when you have any doubt. ~e driving wheels to spin. ~ ~ , ~ ~ ~ ; ! ~ ~ , ~ , 1: , I .? 105 ... Your Driving and the Road F you have the anti-lock braking system, emember: It helps avoid onlythe braking in kid. If you do not have anti-lock, then . braking skid (where the wheels are no onger rolling), release enough pressure m the brakes to get the wheels rolling lgain. This restores steering control. Push he brake pedal down steadily when you lave to stop suddenly. Aslong as the wheels are rolling, youwill have steering :ontrol. .. .IO6 Night Vision No one can see as well at night as inthe davtime. But as we get older these differences increase: A 50-year-old driver may require at least twice as much light to I I Driving at Night see the same thing at night aas Niight driving is more dangerous than day 20-year-old. riving. One reasonis that some drivers alre likely to be impaired-by alcohol or What you do in the daytime canalso affect your night vision.For example, if dlmgs, with night vision problems, or by you spend the day in bright sunshine you fa@ye. are wise to wear sunglasses.Your eyes H;ere are some tipson night driving. will have less trouble adjustingto night. Drive defensively. But if you’re driving, don’t wear sunglasses at night. Theymay cut down Don’t drink and drive. on glare from headlights, but they also Adjust your inside rearview mirrorto make a lot of things invisible. reduce the glare from headlights You can be temporarily blinded by behind you. approaching lights.It can takea second or Since you can’t see as well, you may two, or even several seconds, for your need to slow down and keep more eyes to readjust to the dark. When you are space between youand other vehicles. faced with severe glare (asfrom a driver who doesn’t lowerthe high beams,or a vehicle with misaimed headlights), slow down a little. Avoid staring directly into the approaching lights. Keep your windshield and allthe glass on. your vehicle clean-inside and out. Glare at night is made much worseby dirt on the glass. Even theinside of the glass can build up a film caused by dust. Dirty glass makes lights dazzle and flash more than clean glass would, making the pupils of your eyes contract repeatedly. Remember that your headlightslight up far less of a roadway when you arein a turn or curve. Keep your eyes moving; that way, it’s easier to pick out dimly lighted objects. Just as your headlights should be checked regularly for proper aim, so should your eyes be examined regularly. Some drivers suffer from night blindness -the inability to see in dim light -and aren’t even awareof it. I It’s wise to keep your wiping equipment in good shape and keep your windshield washer tank filled. Replace your Rain and wet roads can mean driving windshield wiper inserts when they show trouble. On a wet road you can’tstop, signs of streakingor missing areas onthe accelerate or turn as well because your windshield, or when strips of rubber start tire-to-road traction isn’tas good as on dry roads. And, if yourtires don’t have to separate from the inserts. much tread left, you’ll get evenless Driving toofast through large water traction. It’s always wise togo slower and puddles or even going through somejcar be cautious if rain starts to fall while you washes can cause problems, too. The we driving. The surface may get wet water may affect yourbrakes, Try to suddenly when your reflexes are tunedfor avoid puddles. But if you can’t, try to driving on dry pavement. slow down before you hit them. The heavier the rain, the harderit is to see. Even if your windshield wiper blades are in good shape,a heavy rain can make it harder to see road signs and traffic signals, pavement markings, the edge of the road, and even people walking. Driving in the Rain 107 ... Your Driving and the Road Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. Therejust isn’t a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down when it is raining. Hydropraning Hydroplaning is dangerous.So much water can buildup under your tires that they can actually ride on the water. This can happen if the roadis wet enough and you’re going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning, it haslittle or no contact with the road. Hydroplaning doesn’t happen often. But it can if your tires haven’t much treador if the pressure in one or more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is standing on the road. If you can see reflections from trees, telephone poles,or other vehicles, and raindrops “dimple” the water’ssurface, there could be hydroplaning. . . .IO8 Some Other Rainy Weather Tips Turn on your low-beam headlightsnot just your parking lights- to help make you more visible to others. Besides slowing down, allow some extra following distance.And be especially careful when you pass another vehicle. Allow yourself more clear room ahead, and be preparedto have your view restrictedby road spray. Have good tireswith proper tread depth. (See “Tires’’ in the Index.) City Driving One of the biggest problems with city streets is the amount of traffic on them. You’ll want to watch out for what the other drivers are doing and pay attention to traffic signals. Here are ways to increase your safetyin city driving: Know the best way to get to where you are going. Get a city map and plan your trip into an unknown part of the city just as you would for a cross-country trip. Try to use the freeways that rim and crisscross most large cities. You’ll save time and energy. (See the next section, “Freeway Driving.”) Treat a green light asa warning signal. A traffic light is there because the corner is busy enough to need it. When a light turns green, and just before you start to move, check both ways for vehicles that have not cleared the intersectionor may be running the red light. begin to check traffic. Tryto determine where you expect to blend with the flow. Try to merge into the gap atclose to the prevailing speed. Switch on your turn signal, check your mirrors and glance over your shoulder as often as necessary. Try to blend smoothly with the traffic flow. Once you are on the freeway, adjust your speed to the posted limit or to the prevailing rate if it’s slower. Stayin the right lane unlessyou want to pass. Freeway Driving Before changing lanes, check your mirrors. Then use yourturn signal. Mile for mile, freeways (also called thruways, parkways, expressways, Just before you leave the lane, glance turnpikes, or superhighways) are the quickly over your shoulderto make sure safest of all roads. Butthey have their there isn’t another vehicle in your “blind” own special rules. spot. The most important advice on freeway Once you are moving on the freeway, driving is: Keep up with traffic and keep make certain you allowa reasonable to the right. Drive atthe same speed most following distance. Expectto move of the other drivers are driving. Too-fast slightly slower at night. or too-slow driving breaks a smooth When you want to leave the freeway, traffic flow. Treat the left laneon a move to the proper lane wellin advance. freeway as a passing lane. If you miss your exitdo not, under any At the entrance there is usually a ramp circumstances, stop and back up. Drive that leads to the freeway. If you have a on to the next exit. clear view of the freeway as you drive along the entrance ramp, you should 109 ... Your Driving and the Road Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape? , 0 Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked all levels? 0 Lights: Are they all working? Arethe lenses clean? 0 Tires: They are vitally important toa safe, trouble-free trip. Is the tread Before leaving on a long Trip good enough for long-distance Make sure you’re ready.Try to be well driving? Are the tires all inflated to rested. If you must start when you’re not the recommended pressure? fresh - such as after a day’s workWeather Forecasts: What’s the don’t planto make too many miles that weather outlook along your route? first part of the journey. Wear comfortable Should you delay yourtrip a short clothing and shoes you can easilydrive time to avoid a major storm system? in. Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps? Is your vehicle readyfor a long trip? If you keep it serviced and maintained, it’s Highway Hypnosis ready to go. If it needs service, haveit Is there actually such a condition as done before starting out.Of course, you’ll “highway hypnosis”?Or is itjust plain find experienced andable service experts falling asleep at the wheel? Callit in Geo dealerships all across North highway hypnosis, lackof awareness, or America. They’ll be ready and willing to whatever. help if you need it. There is something about an easy stretch Here are some thingsyou can check of road with the same scenery, along with before a trip: the hum of the tires on the road, the drone 0 Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the of the engine, and the rushof the wind reservoir full? Are all windows clean against the vehicle that canmake you inside and outside? sleepy. Don’t let it happen to you!If it The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply. The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, notto your sense of motion. After drivingfor any distance at higher speeds,you may tend to think you are going slower thanyou actually are. .. I 1 0 does, your vehicle canleave the road in 1 and you could crash and be injured. What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be aware thatit can happen. Then here are some tips: 0 Make sure your vehicleis well ventilated, with a comfortably cool interior. 0 Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and to the sides. Check your rearview mirrors and your instruments frequently. 0 If you get sleepy, pulloff the road into a rest, service, or parking area and take a nap, get some exercise,or both. For safety, treat drowsiness on the highway as an emergency. down. Shift to a lower gear when you go down a steep or long hill. Hill and Mountain Roads Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from driving in flat or rolling terrain. 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. 0 Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system and transaxle. These parts can work hard on mountain roads. 0 Know how to go down hills. The most important thing to know is this: let your engine do some of the slowing e Know how to go uphill. You may want to shift down to a lower gear. The lower gears help cool your engine and transaxle, and you can climb the hill better. 0 Stay in your own lane when driving on two-lane roads in hillsor mountains. Don’t swing wideor cut across the center of the road. Driveat speeds that let you stay in yourown lane. 0 As you go over the top of a hill, be alert, There could be something in your lane, likea stalled car or an accident. e You may see highway signs on mountains thatwarn of special problems. Examples are long grades, passing or no-passing zones, a falling rocks area, or winding roads. Be alert to these and take appropriate action. 111 ... ~~ Your Driving andthe Road ... i : Winter Driving Here are some tipsfor winter driving: Have your Geo in good shapefor winter. Be sure your engine coolant mix is correct. You may want to put winter emergency supplies in your trunk. . ..I12 Include an ice scraper,a small brush or broom, a supply of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer clothing,a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth, and a couple of reflective warning triangles. And, if you will be driving under severe conditions, includea small bag of sand, a piece of old carpetor a couple of burlap bags to help provide traction. Be sure you properly secure these itemsin your vehicle. Driving on Snow or Ice Most of the time, those places where your tires meet the road probably have good traction. However, if there is snow orice between your tires and the road,you can have a very slippery situation. You’ll havea lot less traction or “grip”and will need to be very careful. What’s the worst timefor this? “Wet ice.” Very cold snow or ice canbe slick and hard to driveon. But wet ice can be even more trouble becauseit may offer the least tractionof all. You can get “wetice” when it’s about freezing(32°F; OOC) and freezing rain beginsto fall. Try to avoid driving on wet ice until salt and sand crews can get there. Whatever the condition - smooth ice, packed, blowing or loose snow - drive with caution. Accelerate gently. Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will spin and polishthe surface under the tires even more. Unless you have the anti-lock braking system, you’ll wantto brake very gently, too. (If you do have anti-lock, see “Anti-Lock” in the Index. This system improves your vehicle’sability to make a hard stop on a slippery road.) Whether you have the anti-lock braking system or not, you’ll want to begin stopping sooner than you would ondry pavement. Without anti-lock brakes, if you feel your vehicle begin to slide, let up on the brakes a little. Push the brake pedal down steadilyto get the most traction you can. 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. Watch for slippery spots. The road might be fine until you. hit a spot that’ covered with ice.On an otherwise clear road, ice patches may appear in shaded areas wherethe sun can’t reach: around clumpsof trees, behind buildings, or under bridges. Sometimes the surface of a curve or an overpass may remain icy when the surrounding roads are clear. If you see a patch of ice ahead of you, brake before you are onit. Try not to brake while you’re actuallyon the ice, and If You’re Caught in a Blizzard avoid sudden steering maneuvers. If you are stopped by heavy snow, you could be in a serious situation.You should probably stay with your vehicle unless you know for sure that youare near help and you can hike throughthe snow. Here are some thingsto do to summon help and keep yourself and your passengers safe: Turn on your hazardflashers. Tie a red cloth to your vehicleto alert police that on you’ve been stopped by the snow. Put 2xtra clothing or wrap a blanket around you. If you have no blankets or extra :lothing, make body insulators from lewspapers, burlap bags, rags,floor mats - anything you can wrap around yourself )r tuck under your clothing to keep warm. You can run the engine to keep warm, but )e careful. 113.. . Your Driving and the Road Run your engine only as long asyou must. This saves fuel. When you run the Zngine, make it goa little faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat thatyou get and it keeps the battery charged.You will need a well-charged battery to restart the vehicle, and possiblyfor signaling later on with your headlights. Let the heater run for awhile. Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost allthe way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again and repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable from the cold. Butdo it as little as possible. Preserve the fuelas long as you can. To help keep warrn, you can get out of the vehicle anddo some fairly vigorous exercises everyhalf hour or so until help comes. Towing a Trailer NOTICE: Pulling a trailer improperly can damage your vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow the advice in this section, andsee your Geo dealerfor important information about towing a trailer with your vehicle. ... I 1 4 Your vehicle can tow a trailer. To identify If You Do Decide toPull a Trailer what the vehicle trailering capacity is for If you do, here are someimportant points. your vehicle, you should read the There are many different laws, information in “Weight of the Trailer” that including speed limit restrictions, appears later in this section. But trailering having to do with trailering. Make is different than just driving your vehicle sure your rig will be legal, not only by itself. Trailering means changes in where you live but also where you’ll handling, durability, and fuel economy. be driving. A good source for this Successful, safe trailering takes correct information can bestate or provincial equipment, and it has to be used properly. police. That’s the reason for this section. In it are Consider using a sway control. You many time-tested, important trailering tips can ask a hitch dealer about sway and safety rules. Many of these are controls. important for your safety and thatof your Don’t tow a trailer at allduring the passengers. So please read this section first 1,000 miles ( 1 600 km) your new carefully before you pull a trailer. vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or Load-pulling components such as the other parts could be damaged. engine, transaxle, wheel assemblies, and Then, during the first 500 miles tires are forced to work harder againstthe (800 km) that you tow a trailer, don’t drag of the added weight. The engine is drive over 50 mph (80 kmh) and required to operate at relatively higher don’t make starts at full throttle.This speeds and under greater loads, helps your engine and other parts of generating extra heat. What’s more, the your vehicle wearin at the heavier trailer adds considerably to wind loads. resistance, increasing the pulling requirements. Three important considerations have to do with weight: Weight of the Trailer How heavy can a trailer safely be? It should never weigh more than 1,500 pounds (680 kg). But even that can be too heavy. It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature and how much your vehicle is usedto pull a trailer are all important. And, it canalso depend on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle. You can ask yourdealer for our trailering information or advice, or you can write us at: Customer Assistance Department Chevrolet/Geo P.O. Box 7047 Troy, MI 48007-7047 In Canada, write to: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Assistance Center 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L 1 H 8P7 115 ... Your Driving and the Road trailer tongue (A) should weight 12%of the total loaded trailer weight(B). After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper.If they aren’t, you may be able to get them right simply by moving some items around in the trailer. 1 A B Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires Be sure your vehicle’s tiresare inflated to the limit for cold tires. You’ll find these VVeight of the Trailer Tongue numbers on the Certification label at the rear of the driver’s door opening or see ’he tongue load(A) of any trailer is an in the Index. “Loading Your Vehicle” irnportant weight to measure becauseit Then be sure you don’t go over theGVW of your affects the total capacity weight Vehicle. The capacity weight includes the limit for your vehicle. Curb weight of the vehicle, any cargoyou Hitches nlay carry in it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle. Andif you will It’s important to have the correct hitch tcIW a trailer, you must subtract the tongut equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks lad from your vehicle’s capacity weight going by, and rough roads are a few bvecause your vehicle will be carrying thal reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. P(eight, too. See “Loading Your Vehicle” Here are some rules to follow: n the Index for more information about 0 Will you have to make any holes in Y our vehicle’s maximum load capacity. the body of your vehicle when you I:f you’re using a “dead-weight” hitch,the install a trailer hitch? If you do, then tlrailer tongue (A) should weigh 10%of be sure to seal the holes laterwhen tlhe total loaded trailer weight(B). If you you remove the hitch. If you don’t hlave a “weight-distributing” hitch, the . .116 0 seal them, deadly carbon monoxide (CO)from your exhaustcan get into your vehicle (see “Carbon Monoxide” in the Index). Dirt and water can, too. The bumpers on your vehicle arenot intended for hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other bumper-type hitches to them. Use onlya frame-mounted hitch that doesnot attach to the bumper. Safety Chains You should always attach chains between your vehicle and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching safety chains. Always leavejust enough slack so you can turn with your rig. And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground. Trailer Brakes Does your trailer haveits own brakes? Be sure to readand follow the instructions for the trailer brakesso you’ll be able to ’ install, adjust and maintain them properly. If your vehicle hasanti-lock brakes, don’t try to tap into your vehicle’s brake system. If you do, both brake systems won’t work wellor at all. Even if your vehicle doesn’t have anti-lock brakes, don’t tap into your vehicle’s brake systemif the trailer’s brake system will use more than 0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc) of fluid from your vehicle’s master cylinder.If it does, both braking systems won’t work well.You could even lose your brakes. Will the trailer brake parts take 3,000 psi (20 650 kPa) of pressure? If not, the trailer brake system must not be used with your vehicle. If everything checks out this far, then make the brakefluid tap at the upper rear master cylinder port. But don’t use copper tubingfor this. If you do, it will bend and finally break off. Use steel brake tubing. of handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer. Andalways keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as responsive as your vehicleis by itself. Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform, safety chains, electrical connector, lights, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your electrical connection at the same time. During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure, and that the lights and any trailer brakes are still working. Following Distance Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you wouldwhen driving your vehicle withouta trailer. This can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking and sudden turns. Driving with a Trailer Towing a trailer requires a certain amount Passing of experience. Before setting out for the You’ll need more passing distance up open road, you’ll wantto get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with thefeel ahead when you’re towinga trailer. And, because you’re a good deal longer, you’ll need to go much farther beyondthe passed vehicle beforeyou can return to your lane. Backing Up Hold the bottomof the steering wheel with one hand. Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand to theleft. To move the trailer to theright, move your hand to the right. Alwaysback up slowly and, if possible, have someone guide you. Making Turns When you’re turning witha trailer, make wider turns than normal. Dothis so your trailer won’t strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees, or otherobjects. Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance. n r n Signals When Towing a Trailer When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have a different turn signal flasher and extra wiring. The green arrows on your instrument panel willflash whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lights willalso 117.. . Your Driving andthe Road lash, telling other drivers you’re about to ;urn, change lanesor stop. When towing a trailer, the green arrows m your instrument panel will flash for ;urns even if the bulbs on the trailer are burned out. Thus, you maythink drivers behind you are seeing yoursignal when they are not. It’s importantto check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still working. se fifth gear. Justdrive in fourth gear (or, When You Are Ready to Leave after s you need to, a lower gear). ?arking ona Hill I. Apply your regular brakes and hold ’arking on Hills the pedal down while you: lou really should not park your vehicle, Start your engine; vith a trailer attached,on a hill. If 0 Shift into a gear; and omething goes wrong, your rig could 0 Release the parking brake. tart to move. People canbe injured, and loth your vehicle and the trailer can be 2. Let up onthe brake pedal. lamaged. 3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear 3ut if you ever have to park your rig aon of the chocks. Drivirig on Grades d l , here’s how to do it: 4. Stop and have someone pick up and Reduce speed and shiftto a lower gear I. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t store the chocks. before you start downa long or steep shift into “P” (Park) yet,or into gear downgrade. If you don’t shift down, you for a manual transaxle. Maintenance When Trailer Towing might have to use your brakesso much 2. Have someone place chocks under the Your vehicle will need service more often that they would get hot and no longer trailer wheels. when you’re pullinga trailer. See the work well. Maintenance Schedulefor more on this. On a long uphill grade, shift down and 3. When the wheel chocks arein place, Things that are especially important in release the regular brakes until the reduce your speedto 45 mph (70 km/h) to trailer operation are automatic transaxle chocks absorb the load. reduce the possibilityof engine and fluid (don’toverfill), engine oil, belts, 4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then transaxle overheating. cooling system, and brake adjustment. apply your parking brake, and then If you are towinga trailer ‘that weighs Each of these is covered inthis manual, shift to “P’ (Park), or“R” (Reverse) more than 1,000pounds (450 kg), and and the Index will help you fmd them for a manual transaxle. you have an automatic transaxle with quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s a good Overdrive, you may preferto drive in “D’ 5. Release the regular brakes. idea to review these sections before you instead of Overdi-ive (or, as you needto, a start ywr trip. lower gear). Or,if you have a manual Check periodically to see that all hitch transaxle with fifth gear, it’s better not to nuts and bolts are tight. .. .118 . H e r e you^ find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road. Part 5 Problems on the Road Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 TowingYourVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 If You’re Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 119 I .. Problems on the Road ‘I L ’ .. X6005 Hazard Warning Flashers Your hazard warning flashers letyou warn others. They alsolet police know you have a problem. Your front and rear turn signal lights will flash on and off. .. .120 Press the button to make your front and rear turn signal lights flash on andoff. Your hazard warning flashers work no matter what position your keyis in, and even if the key isn’t in. To turn off the flashers, push the button again. When the hazard warning flashers are on, your turn signals won’t work. Other Warning Devices If you carry reflective triangles, you can set oneup at the sideof the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind your vehicle. Jump Starting NOTICE: ;:g? :y&*-$ . If your battery has run down, you may want to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your Geo. But please follow the steps below to do it safely. I I< . ,~”: 7. .;s$.,“‘;..; ,.’*.. .. :... ,. ,. 2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touchingeach other. If they are, it could cause a ground connection you don’t want. You wouldn’t be able to start your Geo, and the bad grounding could damage the electrical systems. 3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Turn off all lights that aren’t needed, and radios. This will avoid sparks and help save both batteries. And it could save your radio! , y , Ignoring these steps could resuitin costly damage to your vehicle that wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Trying to start your Geo by pushing or pulling it could damage your vehicle, even if you havea manual transaxle. And if you have an automatic transaxle, it won’t start that way. I NOTICE: I NOTICE: To Jump Start Your Geo: 1. Check the other vehicle.It must have a 12-volt battery with a negative ground system. I I If you leave yourradio on, it could be badly damaged. The repairs wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. If the other system isn’ta 12-volt system with a negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged. 121 ... Problems on the Road 4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries. Find the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on each battery. .. .I22 5. Check that the jumper cables don’t have loose or missing insulation.If they do, you could get a shock. The vehicles could be damaged, too. Before you connect the cables, here are some thingsyou should know. Positive (+) will go to positive(+) and negative (-) will go to negative (-) or a metal engine part. Don’t connect (+) to (-) or you’ll get a short that would damage the battery and maybe other parts, too. 6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to 7. Don’t let the other end touch metal. the positive (+) terminal of the vehicle Connect it to the positive (+) terminal with the dead battery. Use a remote of the good battery. Usea remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has positive (+) terminal if the vehicle one. has one. 8. Now connect the black negative (-) cable to the good battery’s negative (-) terminal. Don’t let the other end touch anythinguntil the next step. The other end of the negative cable doesn’t go to the dead battery. It goes to a heavy unpainted metal parton the engine of the vehicle with the dead battery. 123 ... Problems on the Road 1 - + , B - , 9. Attach the cable at least 18 inches (45 cm) away from the dead battery, but not near engine parts that move. The electrical connection is justas good there, butthe chance of sparks getting back tothe battery is much less. 10. Now start the vehicle with the good battery and runthe engine for a while. 11. Try to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If it won’t startafter a few tries, it probably needs service. ... I 2 4 m +.c c T -- v - 12. Remove the cables in reverse order Towing Your Vehicle to prevent electrical shorting. Take care that they don’t touch each other Try to have a GM dealer or a professional towing service tow your Geo. The usual or any other metal. towing equipment isa sling-type (A) or a A. Heavy Metal Engine Part wheel-lift (B) or car carrier (C) tow truck. 6. Good Battery If your vehicle has been changed or C. Dead Battery modified since it was factory-new by adding aftermarket items likefog lamps, aero skirting, or special tires and wheels, these instructions and illustrationsmay not be correct. Before you do anything, turn on the hazard warning flashers. When you call, tell the towing service: That your vehicle cannot be towed from the frontor rear with sling-type equipment. That your vehicle has front wheel drive. The make, model, and year of your vehicle. Whether you can still move the shift lever. If there was an accident, what was damaged. When the towing service arrives, let the tow operator know that this manual contains detailed towinginstructions and illustrations. The operator may wantto see them. 0 When your vehicleis being towed, have the ignition key off. The steering wheel should be clamped ina straight-ahead position, with a clamping device designed for towing service. Donot use the vehicle’s steering column lockfor this. The transaxle shouldbe in “Neutral” and the parkingbrake released. Don’t have your vehicle towed with the front wheels in contact withthe ground if it has an automatic transaxle.If a vehicle with an automatic transaxle mustbe towed from the rear with wheellift equipment, the front wheels must be supported ona dolly. If your vehicle hasa manual transaxle, don’t have it towed on the front wheels unless you must.If a vehicle witha manual transaxle mustbe towed on the front wheels, don’t go more than35 mph (56 kmk)or farther than 50 miles (80 km) or your transaxle willbe damaged. If these limits must be exceeded, then the front wheels have to be supported on a dolly. If you have a manual transaxle anddollies won’t be used, turn the ignition key to the “ACC” position and putthe transaxle in “Neutral.” 125 ... Problems on the Road , Front Towing Hook-Ups Attach T-hook chainsto slots in frame brackets just aheadof the front wheelsor both sides. .. .126 "- NOTICE: Do not tow with sling-type equipment or fascia damage will occur. Use wheel liftor car carrier equipment. Additional ramping may be required for car carrier equipment. Use safety chains and wheel straps. A c Attach a separate safety chain around the outboard end of each lower control arm. :ear Towing Hook-Ups Lttach T-hook chains to slots in the ottom of the floor panjust ahead of the : a rwheels on both sides. NOTICE: Do not tow with sling-type equipment or rear bumper valance will be damaged. Use wheel liftor car carrier equipment. Additional ramping may be required for car carrier equipment. Use safety chains and wheel straps. Dollies are required underthe front wheels or damage will occur. 127 ... Problems on the Road Engine Overheating You will find a coolant temperature gage on or the warning light about a hot engine vour Geo instrument panel. [f Steam ttach a separate safety chain around the Itboard end of each lower controlarm. .. .I28 Is Coming from Your Engine: tf you no longer have the overheat warning, you can drive. Justto be safe, drive slower for about ten minutes.If the If your enginecatches fire because warning doesn’t come back on, you can you keep driving with no coolant, drive normally. your vehicle can be badly damaged. [f the warning continues, pull over, stop, The costlyrepairs would not be and park your vehicle right away. covered by your warranty. If there’s still no sign of steam, you can idle the enginefor two or three minutes If No Steam Is Coming from Your while you’re parked,to see if the warning Engine: stops. But then,if you still have the If you get the overheat warning butsee or warning, TURNOFF THE ENGINE AND GET EVERYONE OUTOF THE hear no steam, the problemmay not be too serious. Sometimes theengine can get VEHICLE until it cools down. a little too hot when you: You may decide notto lift the hood but to get service help right away. 0 Climb a long hill on a hot day. 0 Stop after high speed driving. 0 Idle for long periods in traffic. 0 Tow a trailer. If you get @e overheat warning with no sign of steam, try this for a minute or so: 1. If you have an air conditioner, turn it NOTICE: Cooling System When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what you’ll see: 1. Coolant Recovery Tank 2. Radiator Pressure Cap 3. Electric Engine Fan Off. 2. Turn on your heater tofull hot at the highest fan speed and openthe window as necessary. 129 ... Problems on the Road How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level isn’t at or above the “FULL” mark add a 50/50 mixture of clean water (preferably distilled) and a proper antifreeze at the coolant recovery tank. (See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for more information about the proper coolant mix.) If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling, don’t do anything else until it cools down. The coolant level should be ator above “FULL.” If it isn’t, you may have a leak in the radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pumpor somewhere else in the cooling system. Engine damage from running your engine without coolant isn’t covered by your warranty. If there seems to be no leak, check to see if the electric engine fan is running. If the engine is overheating, the fan shouldbe running. If it isn’t, your vehicle needs service. . . ,130 I NOTICE: I In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. Use the recommended coolant. When the coolant inthe coolant recovery tank is at or above the “FULL” mark start your vehicle. If the overheat warning continues, there’s one more thing you can try.You can add the proper coolant mix directly to the radiator, but be sure the cooling system is cool before you do it. 131 . . Problems on the Road 1 How to Add Coolant tothe Radiator 1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly to the left until it first stops. (Don’t press down while turning the pressure cap.) If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means there is still some pressure left. . . .I32 2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap. 3. Fill the radiator with the proper mix, up to the baseof the filler neck. 4. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to “FULL.” 5. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but leave the radiator pressure cap off. 6. 0 Start the engine and let run it until you can feel the upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine fan. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator filler neckmay be lower. If the level is lower, add moreof the proper mix through the filler neck until the level reaches the baseof the filler neck. 133 ... Problems on the Road If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while If a tire goes flat, avoid furthertire you’re driving, especiallyif you maintain damage by driving slowlyto a level place. Turn on your hazard warning flashers. your tires properly. If air goes outof a tire, it’s much more likelyto leak out slowly. But if you should ever have a “blowout,” here area few tips about what to expect and whatto do: If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the accelerator 7. Then replace the pressure cap.At any pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly. time duringthis procedure if coolant Steer to maintain lane position, then begins to flow out of the filler neck, gently brake to a stop well outof the reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure the traffic lane. arrows on the pressurecap line up like A rear blowout, particularly ona curve, this. acts much likea skid and may require the same correction you’d use in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. Getthe vehicle under controlby steering theway you want the vehicle to go.It may be very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently brake toa stop, well off the roadif possible. If a tire goes flat, the next section shows how to use yourjacking equipment to change a flat tire safely. . . .134 IW to 135 ... Problems on the Road Remove the jack handle (A), wheel wrench (B) and jack (C) from the trunk. The jack is under a cover on the right sidc of the trunk. Remove the cover, thenturn the jackscrew to remove the jack from thc clamps. . . .136 ittach the jack handle to the jack. Turn he jack handle to the right to raise the lift lead. If you have a wheel cover, removeit using the flat end of the wheel wrench. Pry along the edgeof the wheel cover until it comes off. Be careful; the rim edges may be sharp. Don’t try to remove it with your bare hands. If you have a center cap on your wheels, insert the flat end of the wheel wrench into the slot in the cap. Pry the cap off. Using the wheel wrench, loosen all the wheel nuts. Don’t remove them yet. Under the vehicle near each wheel, there are bosses in the vehicle’s rocker flange. Position thejack and raise thejack lift head until it fits firmly into the notches closest to theflat tire. The jack head groove fits the rocker flange forward of the boss in the front; rearward of the boss in the rear. 137 ... I - Problems on the Road NOTICE: Remove all the wheel nuts and take off the flat tire. Raising your vehicle with the jack improperly positioned will damage the vehicle ormay allow the vehicle to fall off the jack. Be sureto fit the jack lift head into the proper location before raising your vehicle. Raise the vehicleby rotating thejack handle clockwise. Raise the vehicle far enough off the ground so there is enough room for the spare tire tofit. Remove any rustor dirt from the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces and spare wheel. Place the spare on the wheel mounting surface. ... I 3 8 Lower the vehicle by turning thejack handle counterclockwise. Lower thejack completely. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a criss-cross sequence as shown. !eplace the wheel nuts with the rounded nd of the nuts toward the wheel. Tighten ach nut by hand until the wheel is held gainst the hub. 139 ... Problems on the Road Don’t try to put a wheel cover on your compact spare tire. It won’tfit. Store the wheel cover in thetrunk until you have the flat tire repaired or replaced. Wheel covers won’tfit on your compact spare.If you try to put a wheel cover on your compact spare, you could damage thecover or the spare. 3 1. Jack 2. Spare Tire 3. ToolBag 4. JackHandle Replace thejack, jack handle, wheel wrench and flat tire. Make sure the tool bag is stored securely under the tireto help prevent rattles. .I40 Compact Spare Tire NOTICE: Although the compact spare was fully inflated when your vehicle wasnew, Don’t take your compact spare it can loseair after a time. Checkthe through an automatic car wash with inflation pressure regularly.It should be guide rails. The compact spare can 60 psi (420 kPa). After installing the get caught on the rails. That can compact spare on your vehicle, you damage the tire and wheel, and should stop as soon as possible and make maybe other parts of your vehicle. sure your spare tire is correctly inflated. The compact spare is made to perform Don’t use your compact spare on some well at posted speed limitsfor distances other vehicle. up to 3,000 miles (5 000 km), so you can And don’t mix your compact spareor finish your trip and have yourfull-size wheel with other wheelsor tires. They tire repaired or replaced where you want. won’t fit. Keep your spare andits wheel Of course, it’s best to replace your spare together. with a full-size tire as soon as you can. Your spare will last longer andbe in good shape in caseyou need it again. NOTICE: If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow What you don’t want to do when your vehicle is stuck is to spin your wheels. The method known as “rocking” can help you get out when you’re stuck, but you must use caution. Tire chains won’tfit your compact spare. Using them will damage your vehicle and destroy the chains too. Don’t use tire chains on your compact spare. 141 . I Problems on the Road NOTICE: Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels too fast while shifting your transaxle back and forth, you can destroy your transaxle. Rocking your vehicle to get it out: First, turn your steering wheelleft and right. That will clear the area aroundyour front wheels. Then shift back and forth between “R’ (Reverse) and a forward gear (or witha manual transaxle, between First or Second gear andReverse), spinning the wheels aslittle as possible. Release the accelerator pedal whileyou shift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transaxle isin gear. If tha doesn’t get you out after a few tries, you may need to be towed out. Or, you can use your recovery hooks.If you do need to be towed out, see “TowingYour Vehicle” in the Index. . .142 Using the Recovery Hooks :f you ever get stuckin sand, mud, ice NOTICE: )r snow, your Prizm is equipped with *ecovery hooks. The recovery hooks are xovided at the front of your vehicle. rhey can only be used for pulling your Yrehicle out. Never use the recovery hooksto tow the vehicle. Your Prizm could be damaged and it would not be covered by warranty. Service & Appearance Care Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144 Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145 Checking Things under the Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 HoodRelease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 .... ...... ... .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 Engine Oil . . ... I ...cm Aircleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 Automatic Transaxle Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154 Manual Transaxle Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155 H e r e you will find information HydraulicClutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156 about the careof your Geo. This 156 Enginecoolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . part begins with service and fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 Power Steering Fluid information. and then it shows 159 Windshield Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . how to check importantfluid and 160 Brake Master Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lubricant levels. There is also Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162 technical information about your BulbRepiacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163 vehicle. and a section devoted Loading Vehicle Your ....... ... ........ . . . . . . 169 to its appearance care. 170 Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appearancecare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176 Appearance Care Materials Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181 182 Vehicle Identification Number (VTN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182 Service Parts Identification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Add-on Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182 Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183 ReplacementBulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 187 Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -*I 143 ... Service and Appearance Care proper service manual, see “Service Publications” in the Index. Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to do your own service work, see “Servicing Your Air-Bag Equipped Geo” in the Index. You should keep a record with all parts receipts and list the mileage and the date D f any service work you perform. See “Maintenance Record”in the Index. Service Your Geo dealer knows your vehicle best and wants you to be happy with it. We hope you’ll go to yourdealer for all your service needs. You’ll get genuine GM parts and GM-trained and supported service people. We hope you’ll want to keep yourGM vehicle all GM. Genuine GM parts have one of these marks. Doing Your Own Service Work If you want to do some of your own service work, you’llwant to get the proper Geo Service Manual.It tells you much more about how to service your Geo than this manualcan. To order the .. .I44 NOTICE: If you try to do your own service work without knowing enough about it, yourvehiclecouldbedamaged. I I Fuel Use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher. It should meet specifications ASTM D4814 in the U.S. and CGSB 3.5-92 in Canada. These fuels should have the proper additives, so you should not have to addanything to the fuel. In the U.S. and Canada, it’s easy tobe sure you get the right kind of gasoline (unleaded). You’ll see “UNLEADED” right on the pump. And only unleaded nozzles will fit into your vehicle’s filler neck. Be sure the posted octane is at least 87. If the octane is less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking noise when youdrive. If it’s bad enough, it can damage your engine. If you’re using fuel rated at87 octane or higher and you still hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service. But don’t worry if you hear a little pinging noise when you’re accelerating or driving up a hill. That’s normal and you don’t have to buy a higher octane fuel to get rid of pinging. It’s the heavy, constant knock that means you have a problem. What about gasoline with blending materials that contain oxygen (oxygenates), such as MTBE or alcohol? MTBE is “methyl tertiary-butyl ether.” Fuel that is no more than15% MTBE is fine for your vehicle. Ethanol is ethyl or grain alcohol. Properly-blended fuel that is no more than 10%ethanol is fine for your vehicle. Methanol is methyl or wood alcohol. NOTICE: Fuel that is more than5% methanol is bad for your vehicle. Don’t use it. It can corrode metal parts in your fuel system and also damage plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn’t be covered under your warranty.And even at 5% or less, there must be “cosolvents” and corrosion preventers in this fuel to help avoid these problems. Gasolines for Cleaner Air Your use of gasoline with deposit control additives will help prevent deposits from forming in your engine and fuel system. That helps keep yourengine in tune and your emission control system working properly. It’s good for your vehicle, and you’ll be doing your part for cleaner air. Many gasolines are now blended with oxygenates. General Motors recommends that you use gasolines with these blending materials, such as MTBE andethanol. By doing so, you can help cleanthe air, especially in those parts of the country that have high carbon monoxide levels. In addition, some gasoline suppliers are now producing reformulated gasolines. These gasolines are specially designed to reduce vehicle emissions. General Motors recommends that you use reformulated gasoline. By doing so, you can help clean the air, especially in those parts of the country that have highozone levels. You should ask yourservice station operators if their gasolines contain deposit control additives and oxygenates, and if they have been reformulated to reduce vehicle emissions. Fuels in Foreign Countries If you plan on driving in another country outside the US.or Canada, unleaded fuel may be hard to find. Do not use leaded gasoline. If you use evenone tankful, 145.. Service and Appearance Care your emission controls won’t work well I or at all. With continuous use, spark plugs can get fouled, the exhaust system can corrode, and your engineoil can deteriorate quickly. Your vehicle’s oxygen sensor willbe damaged. All of that means costly repairs that wouldn’tbe covered by your warranty. To check on fuel availability, askan auto club, or contact a major oil company that does business in the country where you’ll I be driving. Filling Your Tank You can also write us at the following address for advice. Justtell us where you’re going and give your Vehicle Identification Number(VIN). General Motors Overseas Distribution Corporation North American Export Sales (NAES) 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, OntarioL1H 8P7 II While refueling, hang the cap inside the fuel door. To take off the cap, turnit slowly to the left (counterclockwise). The release lever is near the floor to the left of the driver’s seat. The cap is behind a hinged door on the left side of your vehicle. .. .I46 k Be careful not to spill gasoline, Clean gasoline from painted surfaces as soon as possible. See “Cleaningthe Outside of Your Geo” in the Index. When you put the cap back on, turn it to the right until you hear at least three clicks. NOTICE: If you need a new cap, be sure to get the right type. Your dealer can get one foryou. If you get the wrong type, it may not fit or have proper venting, and yourfuel tank and emissions system mightbe damaged. Checking Things under the Hood Then go to the front of the vehicle and release the secondary hood release. The release is on the right near the middleof the hood. Hood Release I To open the hood, first pull the release handle inside the vehicle. 147 ... Service and Appearance Care I Lift the hood, releasethe hood prop from its retainer and putthe hood prop into the slot in the hood. 1 When you open the hood, on the 1.6L (Code 6 ) engine without anti-lock brakes you'll see: 1. Windshield Washer Reservoir 2. Oil Fill Cap 3. Engine Oil Dipstick 4. Power Steering Reservoir 5. Brake Fluid Reservoir 6. Air Cleaner . ..148 7. Engine Compartment Fuses 8. Battery 9. Engine Coolant Reservoir 10. Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Reservoir 11. Engine Fan 12. Radiator Pressure Cap II Before closing the hood,be sure all the filler caps are on properly. . When you open the hood, on the 1.8L (Code 8) engine with anti-lock brakes you’ll see: 1. Windshield Washer Reservoir 2. Oil Fill Cap 3. Engine Oil Dipstick 4. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 5. Brake Fluid Reservoir 6. Air Cleaner 7. 8. 9. 10. Engine Compartment Fuses Battery Engine Coolant Reservoir Automatic Transaxle Dipstick (if equipped) 11. Electric Engine Fan 12. Radiator Pressure Cap 149 ... Service and Appearance Care Engine Oil It’s a good idea to check your engine oil level every time you getfuel. In order to get an accurate reading,tile oil must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground. Turn off the engineand give the oil a few minutes to drain backinto the oil pan. If you don’t, theoil dipstick might not show the actual level. - - .150 When to Add Oil: To Check Engine Oil tf the oil isat or below the “L”, you’ll Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then pushit back in need to add some oil. Butyou must use all the way. Remove it again, keeping the the right kind. This section explains what kind of oil touse. For crankcase capacity, tip lower. see “Capacities and Specifications” in the Index. ~~ NOTICE: Don’t add too much oil.If your engine has so much oil that the oil level gets above the upper mark that shows the proper operating range, your engine couldbe damaged. Recommended SAE Viscosity Grade Engine Oils For best fuel economy and coldstarting, select the lowest SAE viscosity grade oil for the expected temperature range. HOT UEATHER Just fill it enough to put the level somewhere in the properoperating range. Push the dipstick all the way back in when you’re through. What Kind of Oil to Use Beginning midyear 1993,oils of the proper quality for your vehicle will be identified with this new “starburst” symbol. The “starburst” symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API), and is preferred for use in your gasoline engine. You should look for thison the front of the oil container, and use& oils that display this new symbol. You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your vehicle, as shownin the following chart: LOOK FOR ONE OF THESE LABELS SAE 5W-30 COLD NEATHER 151 ... Service and Appearance Care As shown in the chart,SAE 1OW-30 is best for your vehicle. However, you can use SAE 5W-30 if it’s going to be colder than 50°F (10°C) before your next oil change. When it’s very cold, you should use SAE 5W-30. These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity,or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils, such as SAE 1OW-40 or SAE 20W-50. If you cannot find oils with the new “starburst” symbol on the front of the container, you should look for and use These three things are usually includedin oils containing the following three things: a doughnut shaped logo (symbol) on mos 0 SHor SG containers. If you cannot find oils with the “starburst” symbol,you should look “SH” or “SG’ must be on the oil for oils with the doughnut shaped symbol container, eitherby itself or combined with other quality designations, such containing the three things noted above. as “SH/CD,” “SH,SG,CD,” “SG/CD,” etc. These letters show American NOTICE: Petroleum Institute (API) levels of quality. If you use oils that do not have either the “starburst” symbol or an API SH SAE 1OW-30 or SG designation, you can cause 0 EnergyConserving I1 engine damage not coveredby your Oils with these words on the container warranty. will help you save fuel. GM Goodwrench@ oil (in Canada, GM Engine Oil) meets all the requirements fo your vehicle. ,, I .. .152 Engine Oil Additives Don’t add anything to your oil.Your Geo dealeris ready to advise if you think something should be added. When to ChangeEngine Oil See if any one of these is true for you: e Most trips are less than 4 miles (6 km). 0 It’s below freezing outside and most trips are less than10 miles (16 km). e The engine is at low speed mostof the time (as in door-to-door delivery,or stop-and-go traffic). You tow a trailer often. 0 Most trips are through dusty places. If any one of these is true for your vehicle, then you needto change yourQLI and filter every 3,750 miles (6 200 km) or 6 months - whichever comes first. If none of them is true, change oil and filter every 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months- whichever comes first. What to Do with UsedOil Did you know that used engine oil contains 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. Wash or properly throw away clothing or rags containing used engine oil. (See the manufacturer’s warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.) Used oil can bea real threat to the environment. If you change your own oil, be sure to drain all free-flowing oil from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever dispose of oil by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground,into sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil. If you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil, ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling center for help. NOTICE: If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can cause a damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get into your engine, which will damage it. Always have the air cleaner in place when you’re driving. Air CIeaner Refer to the Maintenance Scheduleto determine when to replace the air filter. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services”in the Index. I 153 ... Service and Appearance Care Vait at least 30 minutes before checking le transaxle fluid level if you have been riving: wllen to Check and Change 1 When outside temperaturesareabove A i;ood time to check your automatic 90°F (32°C). tralIsaxle fluid level is when the engine oil is changed. Referto the Maintenance At high speedfor quite a while. Sclledule to determine when to change In heavy traffic-especially in hot YO‘ u. fluid. See “Scheduled Maintenance weather. Services” in the Index. While pullinga trailer. HaIW to Check :o get the right reading,the fluid should ,e at normal operating temperature, be a little Belcause this operation can vhich is 180°F to 200°F (82°C to 93°C). dif ficult, you may choose to have this dolne at your Geo dealershipService jet the vehicle warmedup by driving Deipartment. lbout 15 miles (24 km) when outside emperatures areabove 50°F (10°C). If If!you do it yourself, be sure to follow all t’s colder than50°F (lO”C), you may the instructions here, oryou could get a lave to drive longer. fa1se reading on the dipstick. ro check thefluid level B Park your vehicle on a level place. NOTICE: Keep the engine running. Too much or toolittle fluid can D With the parking brake applied, place damage your transaxle.Too much the shift lever in “P” (Park). can mean thatsome of the fluid could With your foot on the brake pedal, come out andfall on hot engine parts move the shift lever through each gear or exhaust system parts, starting a frre. range, pausing for about three seconds Be sure to get an accurate readingif in each range. Then, position the shift you check your transaxle fluid. lever in“P” (Park). Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes. Abrtomatic Transaxle Fluid I iir Filter Replacement To check or replace thefilter: I. Release the four clips that hold the cover down. 2. Lift the cover off. 3. Pull out the air filter. I I .. .I54 How to Add Fluid Manual Transaxle Fluid Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to How to Check: determine what kind of transaxle fluid to Because this operation canbe difficult, use. See “Recommended Fluids and you may choose to have this done at your Lubricants” in the Index. Geo dealership Service Department. If the fluid level is low, add only enough If you do it yourself, be sure to followall of the proper fluidto bring the levelinto the instructions here, or you could get a the area between dimples on the dipstick. false reading. 1. Pull out the dipstick. 2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough NOTICE: fluid at the dipstick hole to bringit to the proper level. Then, without shuttingoff the engine, Too much or toolittle fluid can follow these steps: It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less damage your transaxle.Too much than a pint (0.5 L). Don’t overfill. We can mean that some of the fluid could 1. Release the tab and pull outthe recommend you use only fluid labeled dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag come out andfall on hot engine parts DEXRON@-111or DEXRON@-IIE, or exhaust system parts, startinga or paper towel. because fluids with that label are made fire. Be sure to getan accurate read2. Push it back in all the way, wait three especially for your automatic transaxle. ing if you check your transaxlefluid. seconds and then pullit back out Damage caused by fluid other than again. DEXRON@-111 or DEXRON@-IIEis not Check the fluid level only when your 3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and covered by your new vehicle warranty. engine is off, the vehicle is parked on read the lowerlevel. The fluid level 0 After adding fluid, recheck the fluid a level place and the transaxle is cool must be between the two dimples in level as described under “How to enough for you to rest your fingers on the hot range. Check.” the transaxle case. 4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable When the correct fluid level is range, push the dipstick back in all the obtained, push the dipstick backin all way. the way. 155 ... Service and Appearance Care Then, follow these steps: 1. Remove the filler plug. 2. Check that the lubricant level is up to the bottom of the filler plug hole. 3. If the fluid level is good, install the plug and be sure it is fully seated. If the fluid level is low, add more fluid as described in the next steps. How to Add Fluid: Here’s how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance Scheduleto determine what kind of fluid to use. See “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. 3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug is fully seated. How to Check The proper fluid should be addedif the level is at or below the“MIN’ mark on the reservoir. See the instructions on the reservoir cap. Engine Coolant Hydraulic Clutch The hydraulic clutch in your vehicle is self-adjusting. The clutch master cylinder reservoir is filled with hydraulic clutch fluid. It isn’t a good idea to “topoff” your clutch fluid. Adding fluid won’t correct a leak. A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired. The following explains your cooling it is system and how to add coolant when low. If you have a problem with engine overheating, see “Engine Overheating”in the Index. The proper coolant for your Geo will: Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C). Give boiling protection up to 262°F (128°C) 8 . Protect against rust and corrosion. Help keep the proper engine temperature. Let the warning lights work as they should. When to Check and Whatto Use Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to What to Use: determine how often you should check Use a mixture of one-half clean water the fluid level in your clutch master cylinder reservoir and for the proper fluid. (preferably distilled) and one-half antifreeze that meets “GM Specification See “Owner Checksand Services” and “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in 1825-M,” which won’t damage aluminum parts. You can also use a recycled coolant the Index. . . .156 conforming to GM Specification 1825-M with a complete coolant flush and refill. If you use this mixture, you don’t need to add anything else. Adding Coolant: To Check Coolant: When your engine is cold, the coolant level shouldbe at “LOW,” or a little higher. When your engine is warm, the level should be up to “FULL,” or a little higher. TOAdd Coolant: If you need to add more coolant, add the proper mix at the coolant recovery tank. NOTICE: If you use an improper coolant mix, your engine could overheat andbe 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. 157 ... Add coolant mix at the recoverytank, but be careful not to spill it. i.a, : .e.. < . / Power Steering Fluid Radiator Pressure Cap , .,, NOTICE: Your radiator cap is a15 psi (105 Wa) pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap line up with the overflow tube on the radiator filler neck. When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an AC@ cap is recommended. . . .I58 lrliermostat * . ..,%.~: Rnglne.* @oa€iM *,;4 ::, temperatuie is controlled by &mostat ih t h & engihk Cbblaht system. The th&rmostat stops the flow D f coolant through the radiator until the Eoolant reaches a preset temperature. When you replace your thermostat, an AC@ thermostat is recommended. How to Check Power Steering Fluid Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick. / - 1 0 When the engine compartment is hot, thelevelshouldbebetweenthe “HOT” marks. When the engine compartmentis cool, the level should be between the “COLD’ marks. ’hat to Add :fer to the Maintenance Schedule to :tennine what kind of fluid to use. See lecommended Fluids and Lubricants”in e Index. NOTICE: When adding power steering fluidor making a complete fluid change, always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals. Windshield Washer Fluid To Add: Open the cap labeled “WASHER FLUID ONLY.’’ Add washer fluid until the bottle is full. Service and Appearance Care NOTICE: If you have anti-lock brakes, open the cap labeled “WASHER FLUIDONLY.” Add in the bottle washer fluid until the float shows that itis full. . . .160 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 partsof the washer system. Also, water doesn’t clean as well as washer fluid. Fill your washer fluid tank only 314 full when it’s very cold. This allows for expansion, which could damage the tank if it is completely full. Don’t use radiator antifreeze in your windshield washer. It can damage your washer systemand paint. Brakes Brake Master Cylinder Your brake master cylinder is here. It is filled with DOT-3 brake fluid. There are only two reasonswhy the brake fluid level in your master cylinder might go down.The first is that the brake fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluidlevel goes back up. The other reasonis that fluid is leaking out of the brake system.If it is, you should have your brake system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later your brakes won’t work well, or won’t work at all. So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your brake fluid. Adding brake fluid won’t correct a leak. If you add fluid when your linings are worn, then you’ll have too much fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add (or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is done on the brake hydraulic system. NOTICE: Don’t let someone put in the wrong kind of fluid. For example, just a few drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in your brake system can damage brake system parts so badly that they’ll have to bereplaced. Brake fluid can damage paint, so be careful notto spill brake fluid on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off immediately. See “Appearance Care” in the Index. Brake Wear When your brake fluid falls to a low level, Your Geo has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. your brake warninglight will come on. See “Brake System Warning Light” in the Disc brake pads havebuilt-in wear Index. indicators that makea high-pitched warning sound when the brake padsare What to Add: worn and new pads are needed. The sound may come and go orbe heard all When you do need brake fluid, use only the time your vehicle is moving (except DOT-3 brake fluid - such as Delcowhen you are pushing on the brake pedal Supreme 1 l @ (GM Part No. 1052535). firmly). Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only, and always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap before removing it. NOTICE: Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads could resultin costly brake repair. L Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake squeal whenthe brakes are first applied or lightly applied. This does not mean something is wrong with your brakes. Your rear drum brakes don’t have wear indicators, but if youever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, havethe rear brake linings inspected. Also, the rear brake drums should be removed and inspected each time the tires are removed for rotation or changing. When you have the r 161 ... Service and Appearance Care front brakes replaced, havethe rear Replacing Brake System Parts brakes inspected, too. rhe braking systemon a modern vehicle Brake linings should alwaysbe replaced .s complex. Its many parts haveto be of as complete axle sets. :op quality and work well togetherthe if vehicle is tohave really good braking. Brake Pedalnavel Vehicles we design and test have Lop-quality GM brake parts in them, as See your dealerif the brake pedal does not returnto normal height,or if there is a your Geo does whenit isnew. When you replace parts of your braking systemrapid increase in pedal travel. This could For example, when your brake linings be a sign of brake trouble. wear down and you haveto have new mes put in -be sureyou get new Brake Adjustment genuine GM replacement parts.If you Every tinie you make a moderate brake don’t, your brakes may no longer work stop, your disc brakes adjustfor wear. If properly. For example,if someone puts in you rarely makea moderate or heavier brake linings that are wrongfor your stop, then your brakes might not adjust vehicle, the balance between your front correctly. If you drive in that way, then - and rear brakes can change,for the worse. very carefully- make a few moderate The braking performance you’ve come to brake stops about every1,000 miles expect can change in many other ways if (1 600 km), so your brakes willadjust someone puts in the wrong replacement properly. brake parts. If your brake pedal goes downfarther than normal, your rear drum brakes may need adjustment. Adjust them by backing up and f i i l y applying the brakes a few times. Battery Every new Geo hasa Delco Freedom@ 3attery. You never have to add waterto me of these. When it’s timefor a new 3attery, we recommend a Delco Freedom@ battery. Get one that has the zatalog number shown on the original battery’s label. Vehicle Storage [f you’re not going to drive your vehicle For 25 days or more, take off the black, negative (-) cable from the battery.This will help keep your battery from running down. Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehiclefor longer storage periods. . ..I62 Bulb Replacement See “Replacement Bulbs”in the Index to check the size and typeof bulb you need to use. Halogen Bulbs I Headlights 1. Open the hood. 2. If you’re replacing a driver side headlight bulb, you needto remove the air duct behind the headlight assembly. Pry up on the center of the plastic clip and pull it out. Pull out the outer part of the plastic clip. 0 Remove the air duct. 3. Reach behind the headlight assembly and find the lock ring assembly. 4. Turn the lock ring assembly to the left It doesn’t comeoff. 5. Pull the bulb socketout of the housing. 6. Pull the connector apart to remove the bulb assembly. 163. .. Service and Appearance Care Front Sidemarker Lights 7. Reverse the steps with a new bulb assembly. 1. Remove the screw in the lens. If you replaced a driver side bulb, 2. Remove the front sidemarker light replace the air duct, slide the outer assembly. There is a snap-in connector part of the plastic clip into the hole at the front of the assembly, so you and then push in the centerof the may have to pry carefully on the rear clip. of the assembly to remove it. 3. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and pull it out. 4. Pull the bulb straight out. 5. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. .. ,164 Front Turn Signal Lights 1. Remove the screw in the parking light lens and remove parking light assembly. 2. Remove the screw from the turn signal assembly. 3. Pull on the rear edge of the assembly, slide it towardthe rear and pullit out to remove it. 4. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and pull it out. 5. Push the bulb in, turn it counterclockwise and pull it out. 6. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. Parking Lights 3. Turn the bulb socket clockwise and pull it out. 1. Remove the screw near the top outside of the headlight assembly. 4. Pull the bulb straight out. 2. Remove the parking light assembly, 5. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. There is a snap-in connector in the assembly, so you may have to pry carefully on the inside edgeof the assembly to remove it. 165 ... Service and Appearance Care -i \ \ :enter High-Mounted Stoplight Push in the centerof the clips on both sides of the high-mounted stoplight . housing. !. Pull the clips out. 1. Remove the cover. ... I 6 6 4. Remove the screw from the stoplight reflector. 5. Remove the stoplight reflector. 6. Pull the bulb straight out. 7. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. Push the center of the clip so it slides part way out, put the clip into the housing and then pushthe center in. Rear Combination Lights The combination light assembly include the taillighthtoplight, turn signal and sidemarker bulbs. 1. Open the trunk. 2. Remove the two bolts from the lens assembly. 3. Remove the trunk trim. Move the carpet. Loosen the two clips on the trunk trim near the trunk opening. Pop the clips out. Pull the trunk trim away from the rear of the trunk. Remove the nut from the stud near the rear corner of the trunk. 167 ... Service and Appearance Care 5. Remove the rear combination light assembly. There is a snap-in connector in the assembly, so you may have to pull carefully on the inside edgeof the assembly to remove it. 6. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and pull it out. 7. For the taiVstop or turn signal lights, push the bulb in, turn it counterclockwise and pull it out.For the sidemarker bulb, pull it straight out. 8. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. .. . I 6 8 License Plate Light 1. Pry on the lever on the license plate light assembly and lowerit out of the bumper. 2. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and pull it out of the light assembly. 3. Pull the bulb straight out. 4. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. When you put the light assembly back into the bumper, put the side without the lever in first, then snap in the lever side. Back-up Light 1. Open the trunk. 2. Remove the trim on the trunk lid (if your vehicle is so equipped). 3. Remove the screw from the back-up light. 4. Pull the bulb housing assembly through the opening in thetrunk lid. 5. Push the bulb in, turn it counterclockwise and pullit out. 6. Reverse the steps with a new bulb. GEO . PRIZM MFG. BY NEW UNITED MOTOR MANUFACTURING INC. GVWR GAWRFR RR BA416932 I Loading Your Vehicle Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it may properly carry. The Tire-Loading Information label found in the glove compartment tells you the proper size, speed rating and recommended inflation pressures for the tires on your vehicle. It also gives you important information about the number of people that can bein your vehicle and the total weight that you can carry. This weight is called the Vehicle Capacity Weight and includes the weight of all occupants, cargo, and all nonfactory-installed options. The other label is the Certification label, found on the rear of the driver's door opening. It tells you the gross weight capacity of your vehicle, called the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo. Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or rear axle. And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread it out. Don't carry more than 125 pounds (56.7 kilograms) in you1 trunk. I NOTICE: Your warranty does not cover parts or components that fail becauseof overloading. L If you put things inside your vehiclelike suitcases, tools, packages, or anything else - they will go as fast as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they'll keep going. 169.., Service and Appearance Care Tires We don’t make tires. Your new vehicle comes with high quality tires madeby a leading tire manufacturer. These tires are warrantedby the tire manufacturers and their warrantiesare delivered with everynew Geo. If your spare tire isa different brand than your road tires, you will have a tire warranty folder from eachof these manufacturers. . . .170 Inflation - Tire Pressure The Tire-Loading Information label whichis in the glove compartment shows the correct inflation pressures for your tires,when they’re cold. “Cold” means your vehicle has been sitting for at least three hours or driven no more thana mile. NOTICE: Don’t let anyone tell you that underinflationor overinflation is all right. It’s not. If your tires don’t have enough air (underinflation) you can get: 0 Toomuchflexing Toomuchheat Tireoverloading Badwear 0 Bad handling 0 0 0 Badfueleconomy. If your tires havetoo much air (overinflation), you can get: 0 Unusualwear 0 Badhandling 0 Roughride Needless damage from road hazards. When to Check: Check your tires once a month or more. Don’t forget your compact spare tire.It should be at 60 psi (420 kPa). How to Check: Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire pressure. Simply looking at the tires will not tell you the pressure, especially if you have radial tires which may look properly inflated even if they’re underinflated. If your tires have valve caps, be sure to put them back on. They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture. Service and Appearance Care Tire Inspection and Rotation To make your tires last longer, have them inspected and rotated at the mileages recommended in your Maintenance Schedule. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index. Use this rotation pattern. After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and rear inflation pressure as shown on the Tire-Loading Information label. Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” in the Index. . ,172 When It’s Time for New Tires )ne way to tell when it’s time for new ires is to check the treadwear indicators, vhich will appear when your tires have mly 2/32 inch (1.6 mm) or less of tread emaining, lou need a new tire i f You can see the indicators at threeor more places around the tire. You can see cord or fabric showing through the tire’s rubber. The tread or sidewallis cracked, cut or snagged deep enough to show cord or fabric. B The tire has a bump, bulge or split. Uniform Tire Quality Grading The following informationrelates to the system developedby the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration which grades tiresby Buying New Tires treadwear, traction and temperature To find out what kind andsize of tires you performance. (This applies only to vehicles sold inthe United States.) need, look at the Tire-Loading Information label. Make sure the replacements are the same Treadwear The treadwear gradeis a comparative size, load range, speed rating and rating based onthe wear rate of the tire construction type (bias, bias-belted or when tested under controlled conditions radial) as your original tires. on a specified government testcourse. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1 1/2) times as wellon the government course asa tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditionsof their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations indriving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate. 0 The tire has a puncture, cut, or other damage that can’t be repaired well because of the size or location of the damage. asphalt and concrete.A tire marked C may have poor traction performance. Warning: The traction grade assignedto this tire is based. on braking (straight-ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering (turning) traction. Temperature -A, B, C The temperature grades areA (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions ona specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature cancause the material of the tire to degenerate and reducetire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The gradeC corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger cartires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higherlevels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum requiredby law. Traction -A, B, C Warning: The temperature gradefor this The traction grades, from highestto tire is established for a tire that is properly lowest are: A, B, and C. They represent the tire’s abilityto stop on wet pavement inflated and not overloaded. Excessive as measured under controlled conditions ,speed, underinflation,or excessive loading, either separately or in on specified government test surfaces of 173. .. I Service and Appearance Care combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure. These grades are molded on the sidewalls of passenger car tires. While the tires available as standardor optional equipment on General Motors vehicles may vary with respect to these grades, all such tires meet General Motors performance standards and havebeen approved for useon General Motors vehicles. All passenger type (P Metric) tires must conform to Federal safety requirements in addition to these grades. Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance The 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. However, if you notice unusual tire wear or your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the alignment may need to be reset. If you notice your vehicle vibrating when driving on a smooth road, your wheels may need to be rebalanced. Wheel Replacement Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked or badly rusted. If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the wheel leaks air, replace it (except some aluminum wheels, which can sometimes be repaired). See your Geo dealerif any of these conditions exist. Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need. Each new wheel should have the same load carrying capacity, diameter, width, offset, and be mounted the same way as the one it replaces. I . . 174 If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel nuts, replace them only with new GM original equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to have theright wheel, wheelbolts,andwheel nuts for your Geo. ' NOTICE: The wrong wheel canalso cause problems with bearinglife, brake cooling, speedometer/odometer calibration, headlight aim,bumper height, vehicle ground clearance, and tire or tire chain clearanceto the body and chassis. Used Replacement Wheels rire Chains NOTICE: Use tire chains only where legal and only when you must. Use only SAE Class “S” type chains that are the proper size for your tires. Install them on the front tires and tighten them as tightly as possible with the ends securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow the chain manufacturer’s instructions. If you can hear the chains contacting your vehicle, stop and retighten them. If the contact cGntinues, slow down until it stops. Driving too fast with chains on will damage your vehicle. 175 ... Service and Appearance Care Appearance Care Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some are toxic. Others can burst into flame if you strike a match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are dangerousif you breathe their fumes in a closed space. When you use anything from a container to clean your Geo, be sure to follow the manufz.qurer’s warnings and instruc:ions. And always open your doors or windows when you’re cleaning the inside. Never use these to clean your vehicle: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Gasoline Benzene Naphtha CarbonTetrachloride Acetone PaintThinner Turpentine LacquerThinner NailPolishRemover They can all be hazardous - some more than others - and they can all damage your vehicle, too. Don’t use any of these unless this manual says you can. In many uses, these will damage your vehicle: 0 Alcohol 0 Laundry Soap 0 Bleach 0 ReducingAgents . . .I76 Cleaning the Insideof Your Geo Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and loose dirt. Wipe vinyl or leather with a clean, damp cloth. Your Geo dealer has twoGM cleaners, a solvent-type spot lifter anda foam-type powdered cleaner. They will clean normal spots and stains very well.Do not use them on vinyl or leather. Here are some cleaning tips: 0 Always read the instructions on the cleaner label. Clean up stains as soon as you can - before they set. 0 Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a clean area often. A soft brush may be used if stains are stubborn. Use solvent-type cleaners in a well-ventilated area only. If you use them, don’t saturate the stained area. If a ring forms after spot cleaning, clean the entire area immediately or it will set. Using Foam-Type Cleaneron Fabric 0 Vacuum and brush the area to remove any loose dirt. 0 Always clean a whole trim panel or section. Mask surrounding trim along stitch or welt lines. 0 Mix Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner following the directions on the container label. 0 IJse suds only and apply with a clean sponge. 0 Don’t saturate the material. 0 Don’t rub it roughly. 0 As soon as you’ve cleaned the section, use a sponge to remove the suds. 0 Rinse the section with a clean, wet sponge. 0 0 When you clean a stain from fabric, immediately dry the area with an air hose, hair dryer, or heat lampto help prevent a cleaning ring. (See the previous NOTICE.) Wipe off what’s left with a slightly damp paper towel or cloth. Then dry it immediately with a blow dryer or a heat lamp. I NOTICE: I Be careful with a hair dryer or heat lamp. You couldscorch the fabric. I Wipe with a clean cloth. Using Solvent-l‘ypeCleaner on Fabric First, see if you have to use solvent-type cleaner at all. Some spots and stainswill clean off better with just water and mild soap. If you need to use a solvent: 0 Gently scrape excess soil from the trim material with a clean, dull knife or scraper. Use very little cleaner, light pressure and clean cloths (preferably cheesecloth). Cleaning should start at the outside of the stain, “feathering” toward the center. Keep changing to a clean section of the cloth. Fabric Protection Your Geo has upholstery that has been treated with Scotchgard Fabric Protector, a 3M product. Scotchgard” protects fabrics by repelling oil and water, which are the carriers of most stains. Even with this protection, you still need to clean your upholstery often to keep it looking new. Further information on cleaning is wailable by calling 1-800-433-3296 :in Minnesota, 1-800-642-6 167). TM I Special Cleaning Problems Greasy or oily stains:Such as grease, >il, butter, margarine, shoe polish, coffee with cream, chewing gum, cosmetic :reams, vegetable oils, wax crayon, tar and asphalt. Carefully scrape off excess stain. Followthesolvent-typeinstructions described earlier. 177. I Service and Appearance Care Shoe polish, wax crayon, tar and asphalt will stain if left on a vehicle seat fabric. ‘They should be relnoved as soon as possible. Be careful, because the cleaner will dissolve them and may cause them to spread. Non-greasy stains: Such as catsup, coffee (black), egg, fruit, fruitjuice, milk, soft drinks, wine, vomit, urine and blood. Carefully scrape off excess stain, then sponge the soiled area with cool water. If a stain remains, follow the foam-type instructions above. If an odor lingers after cleaning vomit or urine, treat the area with a waterhaking soda solution: 1 teaspoon (5 1111) of baking soda to 1 cup (250 m l ) of lukewarm water. If needed, clean lightly with solvent-type cleaner. Combination stains: Such as candy, ice cream, mayonnaise, chili sauce and unknown stains. 0 Carefully scrape off excess stain, then clean with cool water and allow to 0 dry. If a stain remains, clean it with solvent-type cleaner. . . .I78 Cleaning Vinyl Use warm water and a clean cloth. Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt. You may have to do it Inore than once. Things like tar, asphalt and shoe polish will stain if you don’t get them off quickly. Use a clean cloth and solvent-type vinyl cleaner. Cleaning theTop of the Instrument Panel Use only mild soap and water to clean the top surfaces of the instrument panel. Sprays containing siliconesor waxes may cause annoying reflectionsin the windshield and even makeit difficult to see through the windshield under certain conditions. Care of Safety Belts Cleaning Leather Keep belts clean and dry. Use a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a mild soap or saddle soap. For stubborn stains, use a mild solution of 10% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alchohol) and90% water. Never use oils, varnishes, solvent-based or abrasive cleaners, furniture polish or shoe polish on leather. Soiled leather should be cleaned immediately. If dirt is allowed to work into finish, it can harm the leather. Glass Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner (GM Part No. 1050427) or a liquid household glass cleaner will remove normal tobacco smoke and dust films. Creaning the Outsideof Your Geo GM approved cleaning products from your dealer. (See “Appearance Care and Materials’’ in the Index.) The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth of color, gloss retention and Your Geo has a “ba~ec~atlclearc~at~’ paint finish. The clearcoat gives more durability. depth and gloss tothe colored basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that Washing Your Vehicle are non-abrasive and made for a The best way to preserve your vehicle’s basecoatlclearcoat paint finish. finish is to keepit clean by washing it Cleaning the Outsideof the Windshield often with lukewarm or cold water. and Wiper Blades Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct rays NOTICE: of the sun. Don’t use strong soaps or If the windshield is not clear after using chemical detergents. Use liquid hand, dish Machine compounding or aggressive the windshield washer,or if the wiper polishing on a basecoatlclearcoat or car washing (mild detergent) soaps. blade chatters when running,wax or paint finish may dull the finish or Don’t use cleaning agents that are other material may be on the blade or leave swirl marks. petroleum based, or contain acid or windshield. abrasives. All cleaning agents should be Clean the outsideof the windshield with flushed promptly and not allowed to dry Aluminum Wheels (If So Equipped) GM Windshield Cleaner, Bon-Ami on the surface, or they could stain. Dry Powder@ (GM PartNo. 1050011). The Your aluminum wheels have a protective the finish with a soft, clean chamoisor a windshield is cleanif beads do not form coating similar to the painted surface of 100% cotton towel to avoid surface when you rinse it with water. your vehicle. Don’t use strong soaps, scratches and water spotting. chemicals, chrome polish, abrasive Clean the bladeby wiping vigorously High pressure car washesmay cause cleaners or abrasive cleaning brushes on with a cloth soaked in full strength water to enter your vehicle. them because you could damage this windshield washer solvent. Then rinse coating. After rinsing thoroughly,a wax the blade with water. Finish Care may be applied. Occasional waxing ormild polishing of Wiper blades should be checked ona your Geo may be necessary to remove regular basis and replaced when worn. residue from the paint finish.You can get Don’t use abrasive cleaners on glass, because they may cause scratches. Avoid placing decals on the inside rear window, since they may have to be scraped off later. If abrasive cleaners are used on the inside of the rear window, an electric defogger element may be damaged. Any temporary license should not be attached across the defogger grid. 179.., Service and Appearance Care NOTICE: If you have aluminum wheels, don’t use an automatic vehicle wash that has hard silicon carbide cleaning brushes. These brushes can takeoff the protective coating. Tires Your Geo dealer hasa GM White Sidewall Tire Cleaner.You can use a stiff brush with the cleaner. When applying a tire dressing always takc care to wipe off any overspray or splash from painted surfaces. Petroleum-based products may damage the paintfinish. Weatherstrips Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every six months. During very cold, damp weather more frequent applicationmay be required. (See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.) ...I80 Underbody Maintenance Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust control can collect on the underbody. If these are not removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on the underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and exhaust system even Foreign Material though they have corrosion protection. Calcium chloride and other salts, ice At least every spring, flush these materials melting agents, road oil and tar, treesap, from the underbody with plain water. bird droppings, chemicals from industrial Clean any areas where mud and other chimneys, and other foreign matter can debris can collect. Dirt packed in closed damage your vehicle’s finishif they areas of the frame should be loosened remain on painted surfaces. Use cleaners before being flushed. Your dealer or an that are marked safe for painted surfaces underbody vehicle washing system can do to remove foreign matter. this for you. Sheet Metal Damage [f your vehicle is damagedand requires sheet metal repair or replacement, make sure the body repairshop applies anticorrosion material to the parts repaired or replaced to restore corrosion protection. Chemical Paint Spotting Finish Damage Some weather and atmospheric conditions Any stone chips, fractures or deep can create a chemical fallout. Airborne scratches in the finish shouldbe repaired pollutants can fall upon and attack painted right away. Bare metal will corrode surfaces on your vehicle.This damage quickly and may develop into a major can take two forms: blotchy, ringletrepair expense. shaped discolorations, and small irregular Minor chips and scratches can be repaired dark spots etched into the paint surface. with touch-up materials available from your dealer or other service outlets. Larger Although no defectin the paint job causes areas of finish damage canbe corrected in this, Geo will repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces ofnew vehicles your dealer’s body and paint shop. damaged by this fallout condition within 12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of purchase, whichever comes first. 1 Appearance Care Materials Chart IPART NUMBER I 1051516 1050172 10501 73 10501 74 SIZE 32 02. (0.946 L) 16 or. (0.473 L) 16 02. (0.473 L) 16 oz. (0.473 L) I DESCRIPTION . . Washer Solvent andGas Liner De-leer Tar and RoadOil Remover Polish White Sidewall Tire Cleaner I USAGE ~. . I Windshield washing system and gas line Also old waxes, polishes Removes rust and corrosion on chrome and steel Cleaner a Cleans white and blacktires *Not recommended for pigskin suede leather. See your General Motors Dealerfor these products.See the Index under "Recommended Fluids and Lubricants" for other products. 181 . . Service and Appearance Care Service Parts Identification Label J Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) This is the legal identifier for your Geo. It appears on a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the driver’s side. You can see it if you look through the windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also appears on the Vehicle Certification and ServiceParts labels and the certificatesof title and registration. Engine Identification The eighth character in yourVIN is the engine code. This code will help you identify your engine, specifications, and replacement parts. . . .182 You’ll find this label on your spare tire cover. It’s very helpful if you ever need to order parts. On this label is: your VIN, 0 themodeldesignation, paintinformation,and 0 a list of all production options and special equipment. Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle. Add-on Electrical Equipment NOTICE: Don’t add anything electrical to your Geo unless you check with your dealer first. Some electrical equipment can damage your vehicle and the damage wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Some add-on electrical equipment can keep other components from working as they should. 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 b’ Fuses and Circuit Breakers The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from shortcircuits by fuses, circuit breakers and fusible therrnal links in the wiringitself. This greatly reduces the chance of fires caused by electrical problems. Your fuse block is beneath the instrument panel near the driver’s door. For accessto the fuses, pull the knob on the cover. vlost of your fuses are in the fuse block. Some are in two electrical centers in your mgine compartment. These electrical :enters, plusa component center behind (our glove box, also have relays, circuit Jreakers and other electrical components. rhe larger electrical center in the engine :ompartment has a fuse puller attached to he inside of the cover. You can use the Idler to remove any fuses. Look at the silver-colored band inside :he fuse.If the band is broken or melted, .eplace the fuse. Be sure you replace a >adfuse with a new one of the correct ;ize. [f you ever have a problem on the road md don’t have a spare fuse, you can orr row one. Just pick somefeature of your vehicle that you can get along without - like the radio or cigarette lighter - and use its fuse, if it is of the value you need. Replace it as soon as you can. Before replacing a fuse, turn every vehicle electrical switch off. geadlights The headlight wiring is protected by a :ircuit breaker. An electrical overload will :ause the lights to go on andoff, or in iome cases to remainoff. If this happens, lave your headlight wiring checked right iway. Windshield Wipers The windshield wiper motor is protected 3y a circuit breaker anda fuse. If the notor overheats due to heavy snow, etc., he wiper will stop until the motor cools. [f the overload is caused by some :lectrical problem and not snow,etc., be sure to get it fixed. Power Windows and Other Power Dptions Zircuit breakers protect the power windows and other power accessories. When the current loadis too heavy, the 5rcuit breaker opens andcloses, protecting the circuit until the problem is fixed or goes away. 183 ... Service and Appearance Care c Fuse Block Driver Side Instrument Panel 1 - NotUsed 2 - Ignition (10 Amp.) 3 - Stop (15 Amp.) 4 - NotUsed 5 - Cigarette Lighter and Radio (20 Amp.) 6 - ECU-B (10 Amp.) 7 - Turn Signal (7.5 Amp.) . . .184 8 - Gage (10 Amp.) 9 - Taillight (15 Amp.) 10 - Defogger - I/UP (7.5 Amp.) 11 - ECU-IG (15 Amp.) 12 - Wiper (20 Amp.) A - Power (30 Amp.) B - Defroster (30 Amp.) Engine Compartment 1 - Electronic Fuel Injection F/HTR (15 Amp.) 2 - Alternator-S (7.5 Amp.) 3 - Fan (30 Amp.) 4 - Dome Light (20 Amp.) 5 - Hazard Warning Flashers; Horn (20 Amp.) 6 - Fan - I/UP (7.5 Amp.) 7 - Left Head (1 5 Amp.) 8 - Right Head (15 Amp.) 9 - Not Used (Spare) 10 - Not Used (Spare) 11 - Not Used (Spare) 12 - AM2 (30 Amp.) a - Anti-Lock Brake System (50 Amp.) b - Alternator (100 Amp.) c - AM1 (40 Amp.) A - Electronic Fuel Injection F/HTR Relay B - Headlight Relay C - Engine Main Relay D - Fan Relay #1 E - Horn Relay t 1 Sngine Compartment Relay Block 1 - CDS (30 Amp.) 2 - Air Conditioner MG Relay 3 - Air Conditioner Fan Relay #3 4 - Air Conditioner Fan Relay #2 'assenger Side Kick Panel 1 - Air Conditioner ( 15 Amp.) 2 - Heater (40 Amp.) 185 ... Service and Appearance Care Replacement Bulbs AutomaticTransaxle ............................................... 158 Back-up ........................................................ 1156 Headlight (High Beam)............................................. 9005 Headlight (Low Beam) ............................................. 9006 Heater or Air Conditioning Control ..................................... 74 168 High-MountedStop ................................................ Indicator Lights PC745 ABSActive ................................................... ...................................................... Air Bag 74 Brake .......................................................... Check Engine .................................................... 74 Cruise ....................................................... PC745 74 FastenBelts ..................................................... Headlight High Beam .............................................. 74 74 OilPressure ..................................................... ................................................... Rear Defogger 74 74 stop Lamp ....................................................... 74 Turnsignal ...................................................... 74 Volts (Battery) ................................................... 158/74 Instrument Cluster ............................................... Licenseplate ...................................................... 168 ParkingLight ..................................................... 194 Sidemarker Front ........................................ ............. 194 Rear ...... ............................. ............. 168 ............................. .......... 2057 TaiVStop ..... Turn Signal Front ................ ..... 1156 ............................. ... 2057 Rear ............. ............................... ...186 PC745 Capacities and Specifications Engine L4 Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Compression Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.5: 1 Firingorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3-4-2 Fuel Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Multi-Port Fuel Injection Piston Displacement VIN Engine Code 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 CID (1.6L) 108 CID ( 1 .8L) VIN Engine Code 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DoubleOverheadCam Valve Arrangement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ThermostatTemperatureSpecification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180°F (82°C) Replacement Parts Air Cleaner Filter ............................. . . . . . . . . . . . . A1 164C Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35-60 Engine Oil Filter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GM Part No. 94842810 Spark Plug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GMPartNo. 94853696 Wheel Nuts Wheel Nut Torque . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Ib. ft. (103 N-m) Capacities (Approximate) The following approximate capacities are givenin U.S. and metric conversions. Air Conditioning? . . . . . . . . . . . . . See the refrigerant information label under hood. Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . 2.6 qt. (2.5L)** 3-Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.5 qt. (3.3L)** Differential(3-speedonly) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.5 qt. (1.414 t Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same. If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs refrigerant,be sure the proper refrigerant is used. If you’re not sure, ask your Geo dealer. 187 ... Service and Appearance Care Capacities (Approximate)- continued Cooling System Manual Transaxle 6.3 qt. (6.0L) VIN Engine Code 6 ................................... 6.6 qt. (6.2L) VIN Engine Code 8 ................................. Automatic Transaxle VIN Engine Code 6 ................................... 6.2 qt. (5.9L) 6.4 qt. (6.1L) VIN Engine Code 8 ................................. Crankcase VIN Engine Code 6 Oil Change With Filter ................................. 3.2 qt. (3.0L)* 3.0 qt. (2.8L)* Oil Change Without Filter .............................. VIN Engine Code8 3.9 qt. (3.7L)* Oil Change With Filter ................................. 3.7 qt. (3.5L)* Oil Change Without Filter .............................. FuelTank ............................................. 13.2gal.(50L) 2.7 qt. (2.6 L)** Manual Transaxle ........................................ * When changing the oil filter, additional oilmay be needed. Recheck the oil level after filling. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. ** Recheck fluid level after filling. See “Automatic Transaxle Fluid” or “Manual Transaxle Fluid” in the Index. Vehicle Dimensions Wheelbase . . . . . . . . ............................ .97.1” 465 (2 mm) Tread Front .............................................. .57.5” ( 1 460mm) Rear .............................................. .57.1 ‘I (1 450 mm) Length .............................................. 173.0’‘ (4 395 mm) Width ............................................... .66.3“ (1 685 mm) Height .......................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..53.3“ 355 (1mm) ...188 IMPORTANT: KEEP THE ENGINE OIL AT THE PROPER LEVEL AND CHANGE AS RECOMMENDED T h i s part covers the maintenance required for your Geo. Your vehicle needs these services to retain its safety. dependability and emission control performance . I Part f Maintenance Schedule Section Introduction: A Word about Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190 YourVehicleandtheEnvironment ......................... 190 HowThisPart Is Organized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190 A ScheduledMaintenanceServices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 Using Your MaintenanceSchedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 Selecting the Right Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 192 Schedule1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Schedule11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196 B OwnerChecksandServices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 198 AtEachFuelFill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . At Least Once a Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199 At Least Twice a Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199 AtLeastOnceaYear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 C PeriodicMaintenanceInspections ........................... 203 D RecommendedFluidsandLubricants ........................ 205 E MaintenanceRecord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207 . . . . . Have you purchasedthe GM Protection Plan? ThePlan supplements your new car warranties . See your GM dealerfor details. 189 ... Maintenance Schedule Introduction: A Word about Maintenance Ne at General Motors wantto help you Your Vehicle and the ceep your vehicle in good working Environment :ondition. But we don’t know exactly low you’ll drive it.You may drive very ;hort distances only a few times a week. 3r you may drive long distances all the :ime in very hot, dusty weather.You may Jse your vehicle in making deliveries. Or you may drive it to work, to do errands or .n many other ways. Because of all the different ways people use their GM vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You may even need more frequent :becks and replacements than you will find in the schedules in this part.So please read this part and note how you irive. If you have any questions onhow to keep your vehicle in good condition, see your Geo dealer, the place many GM owners choose to have their maintenance work done. Your dealer can be relied upon to use proper parts and practices. . . .I90 Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the environment. All recommended maintenance procedures are important. Improper vehicle maintenance or the removal of important components can significantly affect the qualityof the air we breathe. Improper fluid levelsor even the wrong tire inflation can increase the If you are skilled enough to do some level of emissions from your vehicle.To help protect our environment, and to help work on your vehicle, you will probably want to get the service information keep your vehicle in good condition, GM publishes. You will find a listof please maintain your vehicle properly. publications and how to get them in this manual. See “Service Publications’’ in How This Part is Organized the Index. The remainder of this part is divided into “Section B: Owner Checks and Services” five sections: tells you what should be checked “Section A: Scheduled Maintenance whenever you stop for fuel. It also Services’’ shows what to have done and explains what you can easily do to help how often, Some of these services can be keep your vehicle in good condition. complex, so unless you are technically qualified and have the necessary equipment, you should let your dealer’s service department or another qualified service centerdo these jobs. I “Section C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections” explains important inspections that your Geo dealer’s service department or another qualified service center should perform. “Section D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” lists some products GM recommends to help keep your vehicle properly maintained. These products, or their equivalents, should be used whether you do the work yourself or have it done. “Section E: Maintenance Record” provides a place for you to record the maintenance performed on your vehicle. Whenever any maintenance is performed, be sure to write it down in this section. This will help you determine when your next maintenance should be done. In addition, it is a good idea to keep your maintenance receipts. They may be needed to qualify your vehicle for warranty repairs. Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services Selecting the Risht Schedule First you’ll need to decide which of the two schedules is right for your vehicle. Usins Your Maintenance Here’s how to decide which schedule to follow: Schedules Schedule I This section tellsyou the maintenance services you should have done and when Is any one of these true for your vehicle? you should schedule them.Your Geo Most trips are less than 4 miles (6 km). dealer knows your vehicle best and wants Most trips are less than 10 miles you to be happy with it. If you go to your dealer for your service needs, you’ll know (16 km) when outside temperatures are below freezing. that GM-trained and supported service people will perform the work using The engine is at low speed most of the genuine GM parts. time (as in door-to-door delivery, or in stop-and-go traffic). These schedules are for vehicles that: You operate your vehicle in dusty 0 carry passengers and cargo within areas. recommended limits. You will find these limits on your vehicle’s Youtow a trailer. Tire-Loading Information label. See If any one (or more)of these is true for “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index. your driving, follow ScheduleI. are driven on reasonable road surfaces Schedule I1 within legal driving limits. Follow ScheduleI1 & if none of the use the recommended unleaded fuel. above conditions is true. See “Fuel” in the Index. I 191.. Maintenance Schedule C Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services Schedule I \ Follow Schedule I if your vehicle is MAINLY driven under one or moreof the following conditions: When most trips are less than 4 miles (6 km). When most trips are less than 10 miles (16 km) and outside temperatures remain below freezing. When most trips include extended idling and/or frequent low-speed operation, as in stop-and-go traffic. When towing a trailer. When operating in dusty areas. Schedule I should also be followed if the vehicle is used for delivery service. police, taxi or other commercial applications. * An Emission Control Service. t The U S . Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board has determined that the failure to performthis maintenance item will notnullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of vehicle useful life. General Motors, however, urges that all recommended maintenance services be performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance he recorded in “SectionE: Maintenance Record.” . . .I92 WHAT TO SERVICE ITEM NO. See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Services” following Schedules I and II. Engine Oil andFilter Change* 1 2 Chassis Lubrication Tire and Wheel Rotation and Inspection 3 WHEN TO PERFORM Miles (kilometers) orMonths (whichever occurssfirst). -Every 3,750 miles (6 250 km) or6 months. Every other oil change. Every 7,500 miles (12 500 km). At 60,000 miles (100000 km)or 72 months and then every 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months. 4 Engine Accessory Drive 5 Cooling System Service* At 45,000 miles (75 000 km) or 36 months and then every 30,000 miles(50 000 km) or 24 months. 6 Transaxle Service See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Services” following Schedules I and 11. - Inspection 7 Spark Plug Replacement* Air CleanerFilter Replacement* a 9 Fuel Tank Cap Gasket Replacement* Fuel Lines and Connections Inspection*? 10 11 Evaporative Emissions Canister Inspection* 12 Valve Clearance Adjustment* 13 Engine Timing Belt Replacement*? Every 30,000 miles (50 000 km). See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Services” following- Schedules I and 11. Every 60,000 miles(100 000 km) or 72months. Every 30,000 miles(50 000 km) or 36 months. Every 60,000 miles (100 000 km) or 72 months. Every 60,000 miles (100 000 km) or 72 months. See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Services” following Schedules I and 11. 193.., Maintenance Schedule Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services(Cont.) Schedule /I I Follow Schedule I1 ONLY if none of the driving conditions specified in Schedule I apply. ITEM NO. Miles (kilometers) or Months (whichever occursjirst). See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Services” following Schedules I and 11. * An Emission Control Service. A 7 The US.Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air ResourcesBoard has determined that the failure to performthis maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior tothe completion of vehicle useful life. General Motors, however, urges that all recommended maintenance services be performedat the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded in “SectionE: Maintenance Record.” WHEN TO PERFORM WHAT TO SERVICE Engine Oil and Filter Change* Every 7,500 miles (12 500 km)or 12 months. Chassis Lubrication Every 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months. 3 Tire and Wheel Rotation and Inspection At 7,500 miles (12 500 km)and then every 15,000 miles (25 000 km) or asnecessary. 4 Engine Accessory Drive At 60,000miles (100 000 km) or 72 months and then every 7,500 miles (12 500 km)or 12 months, 5 Cooling System Service* Inspection At 45,000 miles (75 000 km)or 36 months and then every 30,000miles (50 000 km)or 24 months. I See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Services” following Schedules I and 11. SDark Plug Reulacement” I Every 30,000 miles (50 000 km). Air Cleaner Filter Replacement* I See “Explanation of Scheduled.Maintenance Services” followine Schedules I and 11. Transaxle Service I - 1 - Fuel Tank CaD Gasket ReIdacement* . ..I94 w I Every 60,000miles (100 000 km) or 72 months. Fuel Lines and Connections Inspection*t Every 30,000miles (50 000 km) or 36 months. Evaporative Emissions Canister Inspection* Every 60,000miles (100 000 km) or 72 months. Valve Clearance Adjustment* Every 60,000miles (100 000 km) or 72 months. ~ ~ II The services shown at thesameintervals. on chart this up to 75,000 miles (125 000 km) should performed be after 75,000 miles (125 000 km) 1 I 195 ... Maintenance Schedule Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services(Cont.) ITEM Explanation of Scheduled NO. SERVICE Maintenance Services Following are explanations of the services 11. listed in Schedule I and Schedule The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in SectionD. Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses these. All parts should be replaced and all necessary repairs done beforeyou or anyoneelse drives the vehicle. ITEM NO. SERVICE 1 EngineOilandFilterChange* Always use SH orSG Energy Conserving I1 oils of proper viscosity. The “SH” or “SG” designation may be shown alone, or in combination with others, such as “SH/CD,” “SH, SG, CD,” “SG/CD,” etc. To determine the preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s engine (e.g., SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30), see “Engine Oil” in the Index. * A n Emission Control Service. .. .I96 2 ChassisLubrication - Lubricate the transaxle shift linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody contact points and linkage. 3 TireandWheelRotationand Inspection - For proper wear and maximum tire life, rotate your tires following the instructions in this manual. See “Tires, Inspection and Rotation” in the Index. Check the tires for uneven wear or damage. If you see irregular or premature wear, check the wheel alignment. Check for damaged wheels also. Engine Accessory Drive Belt(s1 Inspection - Inspect the belt(s) for cracks, fraying, wear and proper tension. Replaceas needed. (Belts can have many small cracks in individual ribs without affecting performance.) 4 ITEM NO. SERVICE 5 CoolingSystemService* Drain, flush and refill the system with new or approved recycled coolant conforming to GM Specification 1825M. Keep coolant at the proper mixture as specified. See “Coolant” in the Index. This provides proper freeze and boil protection, corrosion inhibitor level and maintains proper engine operating temperature. Inspect hoses and replaceif they are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Tighten screwtype hose clamps. Clean the outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser. Wash the pressure cap and neck. To help ensure proper operation, we recommend a pressure test of both the cooling systemwd the pressure cap. I ITEM NO. SERVICE 6 7 TransaxleService - Change the fluid in the transaxle and differential every 15,000 miles (25 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher. Inhillyormountainous terrain. When doing frequent trailer towing. Uses such as found in taxi, police car or delivery service. If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, inspect the fluid every 15,000 miles (25 000 km). SparkPlugReplacement” Replace spark plugs with the proper type. See “Replacement Parts’’ in the Index. ITEM NO. SERVICE ITEM NO. SERVICE 8 Air Cleaner Filter Replacement*Replace every 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or moreoften under dusty conditions. Ask your dealer for the proper replacement intervals for your driving conditions. 9 Fuel Tank Cap Gasket Replacement” - Replace the gasket. Make surethe new gasket is properly installed. 10 Fuel Lines and Connections Inspection*? - Inspect fuel lines, connections and tank band for corrosion, damage, cracksor loose or leaking connections. Tighten the connections or replace the parts as necessary. Periodic replacementof the fuel filter is not required. 11 Evaporative Emissions Canister Inspection” - Inspect for internal damage or clogging. Clean with compressed air or replaceif necessary. 12 Valve Clearance Adjustment” The valve clearance should be adjusted to factory specifications. 13 Engine Timing Belt Replacement*? - Replace at 60,000 miles (100 000 km) for vehicles frequently idled for extensive periods and/or driven for long distances at low speed, such as foundin police, taxi or door-to-door delivery service. An Emission Control Service. b The US.Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board has determined that the failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior tothe completion of vehicle useful life. General Motors, however; urges that all recommended maintenance services be performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded in “Section E: Maintenance Record. ’’ I: 197 ... Maintenance Schedule Section B: Owner Checks and Services Listed below are owner checks and services which should be performed at the intervals specified to help ensure the safety, dependability and emission control performanceof your vehicle. Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. Whenever any fluids or lubricantsare added to your vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown in Section D. At Each Fuel Fill I I I (It is important foryou or a service station attendantto pertorm these underhood checks at each fuel fiih) CHECK OR SERVICE WHAT TO DO Engine Oil Level Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if necessary. See “Engine Oil” in the Index for further details. Engine Coolant Level if necessary. See “Coolant” in Check the engine coolant level and add the proper coolant mix the Index for further details. Fluid Level Hood Latch Operation Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer tank and add the proper if fluid necessary. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the Index for further details. Pull the primary hood latch release handle inside the vehicle. The secondary latch should keep the hood from opening all the way when the primary latch is released. Make sure the hood closes firmly. See “Hood Release” in the Index for further details. I ... I 9 8 At least Once a Month CHECK OR SERVICE WHAT TO DO Tire Inflation Check tire inflation. Make sure they are inflated to the pressures specified on the Tire-Loading Information label located on the insideof the glove box door. See “Tires” in the Index for further details. Cassette Deck 15 hours of tape play. See “Audio Systems” Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every in the Index for further details. At feast Twice a Year CHECK OR SERVICE Fluid Level Check WHAT TO DO Check the power steering pump, hydraulic clutch and automatic or manual transaxle fluid levels and add as needed. See “Power Steering,” “Hydraulic Clutch” and ‘‘Automatic Transaxle” or “Manual Transaxle” in the Index. A fluid loss in these systems could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired at once. 199 ... Maintenance Schedule Section B: Owner Checks and Services (Cont.) At least Once a Year CHECK OR SERVICE WHAT TO DO Key Lock Cylinders Starter Switch 1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle. 2. Firmly apply both the parking brake (see “Parking Brake” in the Index if necessary) and the regular brake. NOTE: Do not use the accelerator pedal, andbe ready to turn off theengine immediately if it starts. 3. On automatic transaxle vehicles,try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should work only in “P” (Park) or “ N ” (Neutral). If the starter works in any other position, your vehicle needs service. On manual transaxle vehicles,put the shift lever in “N” (Neutral), push the clutch down halfway and try to start the engine. The starter should work only when the clutch is pushed down all the way to the floor. If the starter workswhen the clutch isn’t pushedall the way down, your vehicle needs service. .. .200 At Least Once a Year (CONI) WHAT TO DO Brake Transaxle Shift Interlock - BTSI (Automatic Transaxle) 1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level surface. 2. Firmly apply the parking brake. (See “Parking Brake”in the Index if necessary). NOTE: Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if the vehicle begins to move. 3. With the engine off, turn the key to the “ON” position, but don’tstart the engine. Without applying the regular brake, try to move the shift lever of out“P” (Park) with normal effort. If the shift lever moves outof “P” (Park) , your vehicle’s BTSI needs service. ~ ~~ Steering Column Lock While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the key “LOCK” to in each shift lever position. 0 With an automatic transaxle, the key should turn to “LOCK” only when the shift lever is in “P” (Park). With a manual transaxle, the key should turn to“LOCK” only if you push the key in farther, while turning it towards “LOCK.” 201 . .. Maintenance Schedule Section B: Owner Checks and Services (Cont.) At Least Once a Year (CONT.) CHECK OR SERVICE .. .202 WHAT TO DO Maintenance Schedule Section C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections Listed below are inspections and services which should be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring and fall). You should let yourGM dealer’s service department or other qualified service center do these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. INSPECTION OR SERVICE I WHAT SHOULD BE DONE Restraint Systems Now and then, make sure all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, anchorages and reminder systems are working properly. Look for any loose parts or damage. If you see anything that might keep a restraint system from doing its job, have it repaired. Steering, Suspension and Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection Exhaust System Inspection Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of wear, or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering lines and hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive axle boot seals for damage, tearsor leakage. Replace sealsif necessary. Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged, missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams, holes, loose connections, or other conditions which could cause a heat build-up in the floor or pancould let exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust’’ in the Index. Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding, and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as needed. Throttle Linkage Inspection 203. . . Maintenance Schedule Section C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections (Cont.) INSPECTION OR SERVICE Brake System Inspection WHAT SHOULD BE DONE Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition. Also inspect drum brake linings for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including drums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc. Check parking brake adjustment. You may need to have your brakes inspected more oftenif your driving habits or conditions result in frequent braking. to be NOTE: A low brake fluid level can indicate worn disc brake pads which may need serviced. Also, if the brake system warning light stays on or comes on, something may be wrong with the brake system. See “Brake System Warning Light” in the Index. If your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes and the anti-lock brake system warning light stays on, comes on or flashes, something may be wrong with the anti-lock brake system. See “Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light” in the Index. Additiunal Service Center Inspection The inspection listed below should be performed by your Geo dealer’s service department or some other qualified service center. Make sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. INSPECTION OR SERVICE Insuection . . ,204 WHAT SHOULD BE DONE The air bag system should be inspectedby a qualified technicianat 120 months. After 120 months, have the system inspected every24 months. Maintenance Schedule Section D: Recommended Fluids & Lubr*icants NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number or specification may be obtained from your GM Dealer. USAGE FLUlDlLUBRlCANT Engine Oil Engine Coolant API service SH or SG Energy ConservingI1 oils of the proper viscosity. The “SH” designation may be shown alone or in combination with others, such as“SH/CD,” or “SH, SG, CD,” “SG/CD,” etc. To determine the preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s engine, see “Engine Oil” in the Index. 50/50 mixtureof water (preferably distilled) and good quality ethylene glycol base antifreeze (GM Part No. 1052753 or equivalent) conforming to GM Specification 1825M or approved recycled coolant conforming to GM Specification 1825M. Hydraulic Brake Delco-Supreme 11 Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 1052535 or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid). System Hydraulic Clutch Hydraulic Clutch Fluid (GM Part No. 12345347 or equivalent). System Power Steering System Dexrona-IIE Automatic Transmission Fluid. Manual Transaxle SAE 75W-90 GL-4 (GM Part No. 12346074 Castrol@ Syntorq GL-4 or equivalent) SAE or 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Lubricant. DEXRON@-I11 or DEXRON@-IIE Automatic Transmission Fluid. Automatic Transaxle @ Key Lock Cylinders Lubricate with Multi-Purpose Lubricant (GM Part No. 12345120) or synthetic SAE 5W-30 engine oil. Manual Transaxle Chassis lubricant (GM Part No. 1052497 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting requirements LB or GC-LB. Shift Linkage NLGI Grade 2, Category of 205. . Maintenance Schedule Section D: Recommended Fluids & Lubricants (Cont.) FLUlDlLUBRlCANT USAGE Automatic Transaxle Shift Linkage Floor Shift Linkage Clutch Linkage Pivot Points Chassis Lubrication Windshield Washer Solvent Hood Latch Assembly a. Pivots and Spring Anchor b. Release Pawl Body Door Hinge Pins, Folding Seat, Fuel Door Hinge, Rear Compartment Lid Hinges Weatherstrips Engine oil. ~~~ Engine oil. Lithium base grease. Chassis lubricant (GM PartNo. 1052497 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting requirementsof NLGI Grade 2, Category LB or GC-LB. GM Optikleen@Washer Solvent (GM Part No. 105 1515) or equivalent. I a. Engine oil or Lubriplate Lubricant (GM Part No. 1050109). b. Chassis lubricant (GM Part No. 1052497 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI Grade 2, CategoryLB or GC-LB. Engine oil or Lubriplate Lubricant (GM PartNo. 1050109). Dielectric Silicone Part Grease (GM No. equivalent). 12345579 or See “Replacement Parts”in the Index for recommended replacement filters, valves and spark plugs. . .,206 I I Maintenance Schedule Section E: Maintenance Record After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading and who performed the service in the columns I or Schedule I1 indicated. When completing the Maintenance Performed column, insert the numbers from the Schedule maintenance charts which correspond to the maintenance performed. Also, you should retain all maintenance receipts.Your owner information portfoliois a convenient place to store them. DATE ODOMETER READING SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED 207. I Maintenance Schedule Section E: Maintenance Record (Cont.) ~ DATE .. .208 ODOMETER READING SERVICED BY ~ MAINTENANCE PERFORMED DATE ODOMETER READING SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED Maintenance Schedule Section E: Maintenance Record (Cont.) DATE ...210 I ODOMETER READING I I I I I SERVICED BY I I I MAINTENANCE PERFORMED I I DATE ODOMETER READING SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED I 211 ... Maintenance Schedule Section E: Maintenance Record (Cont.) DATE ..212 ODOMETER READING SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED . Part 8 Customer Assistance Information ~~ H e r e you will find out how to contact ChevroleVGeoif you need assistance. This part also tells you how to obtain service publications and howto report any safety defects . Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214 Customer Assistance for the Hearing or Speech Impaired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214 GM Participation in BBB AUTO LINE . Alternative DisputeResolutionProgram ....................................... 215 ... . 216 Reporting Safety Defects ......................................... ChevroletIGeo Roadside Assistance Program ............................ 217 Canadian Roadside Assistance ........................................ 217 Courtesy Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 Service Publications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218 ....... 213 . . Customer Assistance Information of Canada Customer Assistance Centerin ChevroletIGeo Customer Assistance Center Oshawa by calling 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French). In P.O. Box 7047 Troy, MI 48007-7047 Mexico, call (525) 254-3777. In Puerto Your satisfaction and goodwill are U.S. Virgin Islands, call Rico or important to your dealer and Refer to your Warranty and Owner 1-809-763- 13 15. In all other overseas ChevroletIGeo. Normally, any concern Assistance Information bookletfor with the sales transactionor the operation locations, contact GM North American addresses of Canadian andGM Overseas Export Sales in Canada by calling of your vehicle will be resolvedby your offices. 1-905-644-4112. dealer’s Sales or Service Departments. When contacting ChevroletIGeo, please Sometimes, however,despite the best For prompt assistance, please have the remember that your concern will likely be intentions of all concerned, following information available to give resolved in the dealership, using the misunderstandings can occur.If your the Customer Assistance Representative: dealership’s facilities, equipment and concern has not been resolved to your personnel. That is.why we suggest you 0 Your name, address, home and satisfaction, the followingsteps should be follow Step One first if you have a business telephone numbers taken: 0 Vehicle Identification Number (This is concern. STEP ONE: Discuss your concernwith a available from the vehicle registration member of dealership management. Customer Assistance for the Hearing or or title, or the plate at the left topof Normally, concerns can be quickly Speech Impaired (TDD) the instrument paneland visible resolved at that level.If the matter has To assist customers who have hearing through the windshield.) already been reviewed withthe Sales, difficulties, ChevroletIGeo has installed Dealershipnameandlocation Service, or Parts Manager, contact the special TDD (Telecommunication 0 Vehicle delivery date and present owner of the dealershipor the General Devices for the Deaf) equipment atits Manager. mileage Customer Assistance Center.Any hearing STEP TWO: If after contactinga 0 Nature of concern or speech impaired customer who has member of dealership management, it access to a TDD or a conventional We encourage you to call the toll-free appears your concern cannotbe resolved number listed previously in order to give teletypewriter (TTY) can communicate by the dealership withoutfurther help, your inquiry prompt attention. However, with Chevrolet by dialing: contact the ChevroletIGeo Customer if you wish to write Chevrolet/Geo, write 1-800-TDD-CHEV (1-800-833-2438)Assistance Centerby calling (TDD users in Canada can dial to: 1-800-222- 1020.In Canada, contact GM 1-800-263-3830.) Customer Satisfaction Procedure ...214 If you are not satisfied after following the The arbitrator will make a decision which Customer Satisfaction Procedure, you you may accept or reject.If you accept may contact the BBB using the toll-free the decision, GM will be bound by that telephone number, or write them atthe decision. The entire dispute resolution following address: procedure should ordinarily take about forty days fromthe time you file a claim BBB AUTO LINE until a decision is made. Both ChevroletIGeo and your Council of Better Business Bureaus ChevroletIGeo dealerare committed to 4200 Wilson Boulevard Some state laws may require youto use making sure you are completelysatisfied Suite 800 this program beforefiling a claim witha with your new vehicle. Ourexperience Arlington, VA 22203 state-run arbitration programor in the has shown that, ifa situation arises where Telephone: 1-890-955-5100 courts. For further information, contact you feel your concern has not been the BBB at 1-800-955-5100 or the To file a claim, you will be as;kecJ to adequately addressed, the Customer Chevrolet/Geo Customer Assistance Satisfaction Procedure describedearlier in provide your name and address, your Center at 1-800-222- 1020. vehicle identification number (VIN), and this section is very successful. *This programmay not be available in a statement of the natureof your There may be instances where an all states, depending on state law. complaint. Eligibility is limited by vehicle impartial third-party can assist inarriving age and mileage, and other factors. Canadian owners referto your at a solution to a disagreement regarding Warranty and Owner Assistance We prefer you utilizethe Customer vehicle repairs or interpretation of the information booklet. General Motors New Vehicle Limited Warranty.To assist Satisfaction Procedure before you resort reserves the rightto change eligibility to AUTO LINE, but you may contact the in resolving these disagreements limitations and/orto discontinue its ChevroletIGeo voluntarily participatesin BBB at any time. The BBB will attempt participation in this program. to resolve the complaint serving as an BBB AUTO LINE. intermediary between you and BBB AUTO LINE is an out-of-court ChevroletIGeo. If this mediation is program administered bythe Better unsuccessful, an informal hearing willbe Business Bureau systemto settle disputes scheduled whereeligible customers may between customers and automobile present their case to an impartial manufacturers. This programis available third-party arbitrator. free of charge to customerswho currently own or lease a GM vehicle. GM Participation in BBB AUTO LINE Alternative Dispute Resolution Program * 215 ... Customer Assistance Information Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could causea crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying General Motors. If NHTSA receives similar complaints,it may open an investigation, and if finds it that a safety defect existsin a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer,or General Motors. To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in the Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA U.S. Department of Transportation Washington, D.C. 20590 You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety fromthe Hotline. . ..216 Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government [f you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle hasa safety defect,you should immediately notify Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to: Transport Canada Box 8880 Ottawa, Ontario K1G 352 Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors [n addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) ina situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notifyus. Please call us at 1-800-222- 1020 ,or write: Chevrolet/Geo Customer Assistance Center P.O. Box 7047 Troy, MI 48007-7047 In Canada, pleasecall us at 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write: General Motorsof Canada Limited Customer Assistance Center 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H8W recommended service providers. The following services are available: Towing Locksmith TireRepair 0 Rental car or taxi 0 Additional services as necessary The Roadside Assistance Center uses companies that will provide you with quality and priority service. When roadside services are required, our II Chevrolet/Geo advisors will explainany payment obligations that may be incurred for Roadside Assistance utilizing outside services. Program For prompt assistancewhen calling, '0enhance Chevrolet/Geo's strong please have the followingavailable to Commitment to customer satisfaction, give to the advisor: CIhevrolet/Geo is excited to provide the VehicleIdentificationNumber ervices of the Chevrolet/Geo Roadside Pissistance Center. 0 Licenseplatenumber ELoadside Assistance is available 24 hours Vehicle color a day, 365 days a year, by calling Vehiclelocation 1 -800-CHEW USA (1-800-243-8872). Telephone number where you can be 'his toll-free number will provide you reached 0Iver-the-phone roadside assistance with Vehiclemileage nninor mechanical problems. If your Plroblem cannot be resolved over the Description of problem Phone, our advisors have access toa n,ationwidenetwork of dealer Canadian Roadside Assistance Vehicles purchased in CANADA have an extensive ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE Program accessible from anywhere in Canada or the U.S.A. Pleaserefer to the separate brochure providedby the dealer or call 1-800-268-6800 for emergency services. Courtesy Transportation Chevrolet/Geo offers Courtesy Transportation for customers needing warranty service. Courtesy Transportation will be offered in conjunction withthe coverage providedby the BUMPER TO BUMPER New Vehicle Limited Warranty to retail and retail lease purchasers of 1994 Chevrolet/Geo passenger cars and light-duty trucks. Courtesy Transportation includes: 0 One-way SHUTTLE RIDE for any warranty repair completed during the same day. Up to $30 maximum daily VEHICLE RENTAL allowance for any overnight warranty repair up to 5 days. OR 217 ... Customer Assistance Information Up to $30 maximum daily CAB, Service Publications BUS, or OTHER public transportation Information on how to obtain Product allowance in lieuof rental for any Service Publications (PSP’s) and Indexes overnight warranty repairup to 5 as described belowis applicable only in days. the fifty U.S. states (and the Districtof OR Columbia) and onlyfor cars and light 0 Up to $10 daily FUEL allowance for rides provided by another person (i.e., trucks with GVWR less than 10,OOO friend, neighbor, etc.) in lieuof rental pounds (4 536 kg). for any In Canada, information pertaining to or other public transportation’ can Product Service Bulletins and Indexes overnight warranty repairup to 5 be obtained by writing to: days. General Motorsof Canada Limited Note: All Courtesy ’Ransportation Service Publications Department arrangements will be administered by your Chevrolet/Geo dealership service 1908 Cplonel SamDr. Oshawg, Ontario L1H 8P7 management. Claim amounts should reflect all actualcosts. ChevroletfGeo regularly sendsits dealers useful service bulletins about 0 Chevrolet/GeoCourtesy Chevrolet/Geo products. ChevroletfGeo Transporntion is not part of the the BUMPER TO BUMPER New Vehicle monitors product performance in field. We then prepare bulletinsfor Limited Warranty. Chevrolet/Geo reseryes the right to make any changes servicing our products better. Now,you can get these bulletinstoo. or discontinue Courtesy Transportation at any time without Bulletins cover various subjects. Some notification. pertgn to the proper use andcare of your 0 For additional program details, contact vehicle. Some describe costly repairs. Others d9scribe inexpensiverepairs your Chevrolet/Geo dealer. which, if done on time with the latest In Canada, please consult yourGM parts, may avoid futuqe costly repairs. Dealer for information op courtesy Some bulletins tella technician how to transportation. 0 . ..218 repair a new or unexpected condition. Others describe a quicker way to fix your vehicle. They can helpa technician service your vehicle better. Most bulletins applyto conditions affecting a small number of cars or trucks. Your ChevroletfGeo dealeror a qualified technician may haveto determine ifa specific bulletin appliesto your vehicle. Individual PSP’s If you don’t want to buy all the PSP’s issued by ChevroletlGeo for all caror truck models in the model year, you can buy individual PSP’s, suchas those which may pertain to a particular model.To do this, you will first needto see our index of PSP’s. It provides a variety of information. Here’s what you’ll findin the index andhow you can get one: What You’ll Findin the Index: 0 4list of all PSP’s published by ChevroIetfGeo in a model year (1990 or later). PSP’s covering all models of ChevroletfGeo cars or light trucks (less than 10,000 pounds (4 536 kg) GVWp) are listed in the same index. 0 0 Ordering information so you can buy the specific PSP’s you may want. Price information for the PSP’s you may want to buy. How You Can Get an Index: Toll-Free Telephone Number [f you want an additional ordering form for an index, just call toll-free and we’ll be happy to send you one. Automated recording equipment willtake your name and mailing address. The numberto call is 1-800-551-4123. A VERY IMPORTANT REMINDER: These PSP’s are meant for technicians. They are not meantfor the “do-it-yourselfer.” Technicians havethe equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job quickly and safely. Indexes are published periodically. Most of the PSP’s which could potentially apply to the most recent ChevroletIGeo models willbe listed in the most recent publication for that model year.This means you may wantto wait until the end of the model year before ordering an index, if you are interested in buying PSP’s pertaining to a current model year Chevrolet/Geo Service Publications car or truck. You can getthese by using theorder form. Some PSP’s pertaining to a particular model year vehicle may be publishedin later years, and these would be listed in the later year’s index. When youorder an index for a model year thatis not over yet, we’ll send you the most recently published issue. Check the ordering form for indexes for earlier model years. Cut out the ordering form, fill it out, and mail it in. We will then see toit that an index is mailed to you. There is no charge for indexes for the 1990-1994 model years. 219 ... Customer Assistance Information 1994 CHEVROLET/GEO SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchasedby fillingout the Service Publications Order Form in this book and mailingit with your check, money order credit or card information to Helm, Incorporated(address listed below). CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR1994 GEO PRlZM SERVICE MANUALS PRODUCT SERVICE PUBLICATIONS Service Manualshave thediagnosis, repair and overhaul information Product Service Publications (PSP’s), are bulletins, letters and articles on engines, transmission,axle, suspension, brakes, electrical, steerpublished for trained dealer service personnel. See Service Publicaing, body, etc. tions listed previously in this section. A cumulative index ispublished quarterly during the current model Number Form Model Price year. The indexes list all PSP’s publishedby Chevroletin the modelyear. 1994 Geo Prizm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ST-373-94 TBA* NOTE: Please specify special body orengine types on order form. PSP Index Write information in the Form Number column.For example: Turbo, Price Year Form Number Convertible. Free 1994 PSPI-94. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ‘Price to be announced at a later date.1-800-7824356 Call for further information. 1993 PSPI-93. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Free Free 1990-92PSPI-90-92 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OWNER’S INFORMATION Owner publications are written directly Owners for and intendedto provide basic operational information about the vehicle. The Owner’s PSP Bound Bulletin Book (Complete Year Bulletins) Manual includes the Maintenance Schedule for all models. NumberForm Description Year 1991 All PSP’S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40.00 PSP-91-4 1994 Geo Prizm Owner’s Manual 1990 All PSP’S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PSP-90-4 40.00 In Portfolio:IncludesRMoIio, Owner‘s Manualand Warranty Booklet. 1994 Geo Prizm In-Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . 10260661 $15.00 For subscription information call Helm, Incorporated. Without Portfolio: Includes Owner’s Manual. . . . . . . . I0260664 $10.00 1994 Geo Prizm Without Portfolio CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS Addressinquiries all to: Service Publications are available for current and past model Chevrolet/Geo vehicles.To request an order form, please specify year name modeland vehicle.of 1-800-782-4356 For call: inquiries information and . .220 HELM, INCORPORATED PO.Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207 CHEVROLET/GEO SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDER FORM NOTE: Please complete form below (Print or Type) and MAIL TO: Post Office Box 07130, Detroit, Michigan 48207 ORDER TOLL FREE 1-800-78214356 (Monday-Friday 8:OO A.M.-6:00 P.M. EST) PUBLICATION FORM NUMBER VEHICLE MODEL ITEM DESCRIPTION I Geo ManualService ST-373-94 10260661 10260664 994 (CUSTOMER Geo Prizm %10.00 Geo Prizm 994 (AlTENTION) $1 1994 1 0 Check or Money Order payableto Helm, Inc. (USA funds only- do not send cash.) 0MastetCard Discover VISA Card AREA DAYTIME TELEPHONE NO. CODE (STATE) ( *Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring obligation. announc. a laeratem all 1 . 8 ~ 7 8 2 . ~ 5 6for further ln~,,,,alion. Orders cannot be returned without prior authorization. A restocking fee may apply. t t price lo k 0 Michigan Purchasefs add 4% sales tax Handling Charge (ZIP CODE) $4.00 Canadian Postage ( S e e Note Below) - [ T I BOX NUMBERS) NO.) (APT. (Crrv) 5.00 TOTAL MATERIAL 0 (STREET ADDRESS-NO P.O. TBA** ~ Owner’s Manual In-Portfolio Owner’s Manual Without-Portfolio NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name, and also the nameof the personto whose attention the shipment should be sent. For purchases outside U.S.A. please writeto the above address for quotation. NAME) I NAME I GRAND TOTAL mr l Number: Account Expiration Date molyr: . m] Check here if your billing address is ditferent from your shipping address shown. (CUSTOMER SIGNATURE) NOTE TO CANADIAN CUSTOMERS: All listed prices are quoted in U.S. funds. Canadianresidents are to make checks payable in U.S.funds. To cover Canadian postage,$1add 1.50plusthe U.S. Handling Charge. Requests for manualsprinted in French should be directed to Canadian GeneralMotors dealerships. piwse tirne for pmal service. 221 .. Notes ...222 A B S ........................ 101 Add-on Electrical Equipment ..... 182 Adding Coolant ................ 157 Additives. Engine Oil ............ 152 .... 18 Adjuster.ShoulderBeltHeight AirBags ...................... 20 How the System Works ........ 22 ReadinessLight .............. 21 Servicing Your Geo with the ............ 24 AirBagSystem Air Cleaner .................... 153 AirConditionerControls ......... 83 Air Filter Replacement ........... 154 Air Intake Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 AifflowKnob .................. 82 Alignment and Tire Balance. 174 Wheel ...................... AluminumWheels .............. 179 AM/FM Stereo ................ 86 With Cassette Tape and Compact DiscPlayer ................ 91 WithCassetteTapePlayer ....... 87 Antenna ...................... 96 Anti-LockBrakes .............. 101 SystemActiveLight ........... 76 SystemWarningLight ......... 76 To Use ..................... 102 Appearance Care ............... 176 Appearance Care and Materials .... 181 Appearance Care. Service and ..... 143 Ashtray. Front ................. Ashtray.Rear .................. AshtraysandLighter ............ AssistGrips.Passenger .......... AudioSystems ................. Audio Systems. Comfort Controlsand . . . ............. AutomaticTransaxle ............ Automatic Transaxle Fluid ........ 68 Brakes 68 System Parts. Replacing . . . . . . 162 68 SystemWarningLight ......... 75 68 116 Trailer ...................... 85 Wear ...................... 161 Braking (Control of a Vehicle) ..... 100 81 Braking in Emergencies .......... 102 47 “Break.In. NewVehicle ........ 44 154 BrightnessControl .............. 59 BulbReplacement .............. 163 Babies. Smaller Children Back-upLight ............... 168 and(SafetyBelts) ............. 28 Center High-Mounted Balance. Wheel Alignment .166 Stoplight ........... 174 andTire .................... FrontSidemarker ............. 164 Battery ....................... 162 Front Turn Signal ............. 164 BBB Auto Line- Alternative Dispute Headlights .................. 163 Resolution Program. License Plate Light ............ 168 GM Participation in ......... 215 Parking Lights ............... 165 Before Leaving on a Long Trip .... 110 Rear Combination Lights . . . . . . . 167 Belt.Lap ...................... 27 Bulbs. Halogen ................. 163 Belt.Lap-Shoulder .............. 16 Bulbs.Replaoement ............. 186 82 Bi-Level ..................... Blizzard,.If You’re Caught in a ... 113 Canadian Roadside Assistance ... 217 Box. Glove .................... 67 Capacities and Specifications ...... 187 Brakes Carbon Monoxide .............. 54 Adjustment .................. 162 Care Anti-Lock(ABS) ............. 101 Appearance ................. 176 Fluid ....................... 161 Cassette Tape Player .......... 95 MasterCylinder .............. 160 CompactDiscs ............... 96 Parking ..................... 51 SqfetyBelts ................. 178 PedalTravel ................. 162 .. . 223 . . Index Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player. AM/FMStereowith ........... 91 Cassette TapePlayer. AM/FM Stereowith .................. 87 Cassette Tape Player. Care ofYour ................. 95 Cassette Tape. To Play a AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and CompactDiscPlayer . . . . . . . . 92 AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Center Passenger Position (Safety Belts) ...................... 27 Center Rear Seat Position. Securing a .......... 32 ChildRestraintinthe Chains.Tire ................... 174 Changing a Flat Tire ............. 134 ChargingSystemLight .......... 78 CheckEngineLight ............. 78 Checking Things under the Hood . . 147 Checking Your RestraintSystems . . 37 Chemical Paint Spotting . . . . . . . . . . 180 Chevrolet/Geo Roadside Assistance Program ... . . . 217 Restraints Child ...... . 29 CenterRearSeat . . . . . . . . . . 32 RearOutsidePosition . . . . . . . . . . 30 RightFrontSeat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 TopStrap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 WheretoPutthe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Children(SafetyBelts) . . . . . . . . . . . 28 ...224 Children.Larger(SafetyBelts) .... 35 CigaretteLighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Circuit Breakers. Fuses and . . . . . . . 183 CityDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Cleaner.Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 Cleaning AluminumWheels . . . . . . . . . . . . 179 Fabric ...................... 177 Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178 Inside of Your Geo . . . . . . . . . . . . 176 Instrument Panel. Top of . . . . . . . 178 Leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178 Outside ofYour Geo . . . . . . . . . . 179 Problems.Special . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177 Tires ....................... 180 Vinyl ....................... 178 Windshield and Wiper Blades . . . 179 Clock.Settingthe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Clutch.Hydraulic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156 ComfortControls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Comfort Controls and Audio 81 Systems .................... CompactDisc.ToPlaya . . . . . . . . . 93 Compact Disc Player. AM/FM StereowithCassetteTapeand ... 91 Compact Discs. Care of Your . . . . . . 96 Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 Compartments.Storageand . . . . . . . 66 ConsoleStorageArea . . . . . . . . . . . 66 '2ontrol of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Zontrol.Loss of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Controls AirConditioner .............. 83 Brightness .................. 59 Comfort .................... 82 Featuresand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 82 Heater ...................... Seat ........................ 8 ConvexOutsideMirror .......... 64 Coolant Adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157 Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156 How to Add to the Coolant RecoveryTdnk ............. 130 How to Add to the Radiator ..... 132 TemperatureGage.Engine ...... 77 Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Cooling System .......... . . 129 Courtesy Transportation . . . . . . . . . . 217 CruiseControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Passing Another Vehicle WhileUsing ............... 62 To EraseSpeedMemory ....... 62 To GetOut of ................ 62 To Increase Speed While Using . . 62 To ReduceSpeedWhileUsing . 62 ToResumeaSetSpeed . . . . . . . . 62 ToSet ...................... 61 UsingonHills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Cupholder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Curves. Driving on .............. 102 . Driving Customer Assistance for the Hearing AtNight .................... 106 orSpeechImpaired(TDD) . . . . . 214 City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Customer Assistance Information . . 2 13 Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . 214 98 Drunken .................... 109 Freeway .................... D e e p Standing Water. Drivingthrough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 IntheRain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Defects. Safety OnCurves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 OnSnoworIce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Reporting to General Motors . . . . 2 16 ThroughDeepStandingWater ... 46 Reporting to the Canadian Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216 With a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Reporting to the United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Drunken Driving Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216 DefensiveDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Defogger.RearWindow . . . . . . . . . 84 Electrical Equipment, Add-on . . . 182 Defogging and Defrosting . . . . . . . . . . 64 ElectricMirrorControl Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Emergencies,Braking in . . . . . . . . . 102 Dehumidifying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Emergencies,Steering in ......... 103 Dimensions.Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 184 Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . 144 Compartment Relay Block . . . . . . 185 Dome Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 DoorLocks .................... 41 Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156 DoorLocks.Power CoolantTemperatureGage . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 . . . . . 77 54 Exhaust ..................... . . . . . . 66 DoorStorageCompartments Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182 DoorWarningLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 . . . . . 16 Oil ........................ 150 DriverPosition(SafetyBelts) Driver Side Instrument Panel Fuse OilPressureLight . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Block ...................... Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 184 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187 Starting Your . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Environment. Your Vehicle and the ..................... Exhaust.Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Explanation of Scheduled MaintenanceServices . . . . . . . . . Extender.SafetyBelt . . . . . . . . . . . . 190 54 196 37 F a b r i c Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177 Fan Knob ..................... 82 FeaturesandControls . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Filling YourTank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 Filter.Air.Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 154 FinishCare(Paint) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179 FinishDamage(Paint) . . . . . . . . . . . 180 Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Flashers.HazardWarning . . . . . . . . 120 FlatTire. Changing a . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 Flat. If a Tire Goes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 Flow-ThroughVentilationSystem . . 84 Fluid AutomaticTransaxle . . . . . . . . . . 154 161 Brake ...................... ManualTransaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155 PowerSteering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 WindshieldWasher . . . . . . . . . . . 159 FoldingSeatback.Rear . . . . . . . . . . 10 ForeignCountries.Fuels in . . . . . . . 145 Foreign Material Paint Damage . . . . 180 FreewayDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 225 ... Headlight Highbow Beam ....... 58 HeaterControls ................ 82 Heating ....................... 82 . . . . 18 HeightAdjuster.ShoulderBelt HighwayHypnosis .............. 110 Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . 111 Hitches ....................... 116 Hood Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Hood. Checking Things under the . . 147 Hook.Ups.FrontTowing . . . . . . . . . 126 Hook.Ups. RearTowing ......... 127 Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 How to Add Coolant to the CoolantRecoveryTank . . . . . . . . 130 How to Add Coolant to the 132 Radiator .................... Hydraulic Clutch ............... 156 Gages EngineCoolantTemperature .... 77 Hydroplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Fuel ....................... 74 Hypnosis.Highway . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 WarningLightsandIndicators . . . 74 GasolinesforCleaner Air ........ 145 ldentification Number. Vehicle . . . . 182 Glass (Cleaning) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178 Identification.Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 182 GloveBox .................... 67 If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 If You’re Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice GM Participation in EBB Auto Lineor Snow .................... 141 Alternative Dispute Resolution Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215 IgnitionSwitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 . . . . . . . . . . 68 Inflation - Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 171 Grips.PassengerAssist Inside Daymight Rearview 63 Mirror ...................... H a l o g e n Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163 HazardWarningFlashers ......... 120 InstrumentCluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 InstrumentPanel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Front Ashtray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 8 Seat ........................ .......... 9 Seatbacks. Reclining TowingHook-ups . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Fuel ......................... 145 FuelGage ..................... 74 Fuels in Foreign Countries ........ 145 Fuse Block Driver Side Instrument Panel . . . . 184 EngineCompartment .......... 184 Engine Compartment Relay Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185 Passenger Side Kick Panel ...... 185 ....... 183 FusesandCircuitBreakers ... 226 Instrument Panel. Cleaning the Topof ..................... 178 InteriorLights ................. 58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 ....................... 40 J u m p Starting Keys Label. Service Parts . . 182 Identification ....... Lane Change Indicator. Turn Signal and . . . . . ...... 57 LapBelt(SafetyBelts) ........... 27 Lap-ShoulderBelt(SafetyBelts) . . . 16 LargerChildren(SafetyBelts) ..... 35 Leaving YourVehicle ............ 42 Leaving Your Vehicle with the EngineRunning .............. 52 Lighter.Ashtraysand . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Lighter.Cigarette ............... 69 Lights ............ 21 AirBagReadiness Anti-Lock Brake System ..76 Active .............. Anti-Lock Brake System Warning .................. 76 BrakeSystemWarning ......... 75 BulbReplacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 ChargingSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 CheckEngine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Dome ...................... 58 Manual AdjustMirror ................ 64 Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Transaxle Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155 Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 MasterCylinder.Brake . . . . . . . . . . 160 Mirrors Control.Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 ConvexOutside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Inside Daymight Rearview . . . . . 63 ManualAdjust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 VisorVanity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Mountain Roads. Hill and . . . . . . . . 111 Lights DoorWarning ................ 79 EngineOilPressure . . . . . . . . . . . 77 GagesandIndicators.Warning . . 74 Interior ..................... 58 MalfunctionIndicatorLamp .... 78 Operation of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Overdrive Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 59 Reading .................... RearWindowDefogger . . . . . . . . 79 SafetyBeltReminder . . . . . . . . . . 15 Lights On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Loading YourVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 169 ........ 42 Lock.RearDoorSecurity Locks.Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Locks.PowerDoor LossofControl ................ 105 Lubricants.Recommended . . . . . . . 205 N e w Vehicle “Break-In” . . . . . . . 44 NightDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 NightVision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Nuts.Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187 Maintenance Inspections.Periodic . . . . . . . . 203 Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207 Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 Services.Scheduled . . . . . . . . . . . 192 Underbody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 When Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . 118 Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . 78 Odometer. Speedometerand . . . . . Odometer.Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Off-RoadRecovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oil.Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operation of Lights ............. Overdrive OffLight ............. Overheating.Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . Owner Checks and Services ....... 72 73 104 150 57 79 128 198 P (Park). Shiftinginto . . . . . . . . . . P (Park). Shifting out of . . . . . . . . . . 52 52 Paint ChemicalSpotting . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 FinishCare .................. 179 FinishDamage ............... 180 Foreign Material .............. 180 Parking Brake ...................... 51 On Hills(TrailerTowing) . . . . . . 118 OverThingsThat Bum . . . . . . . . 53 YourVehicle ................. 53 Parts. Replacement .............. 187 PassengerAssistGrips ........... 68 PassengerPositions(SafetyBelts) . . 25 27 Center ...................... RearSeat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 RearSeatOutside . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Right Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Passenger Side Kick Panel Fuse 185 Block ...................... Passengers. Rear Seat (Safety Belts) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 104 Passing ....................... PedalTravel.Brake ............. 162 Periodic Maintenance Inspections . . 203 Power DoorLocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Pregnancy. Safety Belt Use during . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 227 .. Index Pressure Cap. Radiator ........... 158 Rear TowingHook-Ups ............ 127 Problems on theRoad ........... 119 WindowDefogger ............ 84 Publications. Service ............ 2 18 WindowDefoggerLight . . . . . . . 79 Rearview Mirror. Inside Questions Many People Ask about Daymight ................... 63 Safety Belts - and the Answers. ........ 9 Here are .................. 15 RecliningFrontSeatbacks Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 Radiator Pressure Cap .......... 158 Radiator. How to Add Coolant Recovery Hooks. Using the . . . . . . . 142 to the ....................... 132 Recovery.Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 RadioReception.Understanding . . . 95 Release Radio. To Play the 147 Hood ....................... AM/FMStereo ............... 86 TrunkLock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and .......... 43 TrunkLock.Remote CompactDiscPlayer ........ 91 ReminderLight.SafetyBelt . . . . . . 15 AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Reminder.LightsOn . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 ............... 87 RemoteTrunkLockRelease . . . . . . 43 Tape Player Rain. Driving in the ............. 107 Replacement Rainy Weather Tips. Some Other ... 108 Air Filter ....................154 ReadingLight .................. 59 Bulbs (Part Numbers) .......... 186 Rear Bulbs (Service) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163 Ashtray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 187 Parts ....................... DoorSecurityLock . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Wheel ...................... 174 FoldingSeatback ............. 10 Wheels.Used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 Outside Position. Securing a Child ReplacingBrakeSystemParts ..... 162 Restraint in the ............ 30 Replacing Safety Belts after a Crash ..................... Seat Outside Passenger Positions 37 (SafetyBelts) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . 216 SeatPassengers(SafetyBelts) ... 25 Restraint System. Supplemental (Air Bags) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 RestraintSystems.Seatsand ...... 7 ...228 Restraints Checking Your System ......... 37 29 Child ....................... Head ....................... 10 WheretoPutthe . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Right Front Passenger Position (SafetyBelts) ................ 25 Right Front Seat. Securinga Child Restraint in the ............... 33 Road. Problems on the ........... 119 ....... 97 Road.YourDrivingandthe . . . . . . . . 111 Roads.HillandMountain Roadside Assistance. Canadian .... 217 Roadside Assistance Program. Chevrolet/Geo ............... 217 Rocking Your Vehicle to Get 142 ItOut ...................... Rotation.Tire .................. 172 Running Your Engine while You’reParked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Safety Belts . . . . . 16 Adults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 AirBagSystem Care of ..................... 178 Children .................... 28 Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 How to Wear Properly . . . . . . . . . 16 27 Lap ........................ Lap-Shoulder ................ 16 LargerChildren .............. 35 Safety Belts ......... 15 QuestionsPeopleAsk Reminder Light .............. 15 Replacing after aCrash ........ 37 SmallerChildrenandBabies . . . . 28 They’reforEveryone .......... 11 . . . . . . . . . 24 UseduringPregnancy WhyThey Work .............. 12 Safety Defects Reporting to General Motors .... 2 16 Reporting to the Canadian Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 16 Reporting to the United States Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216 SafetyWarningsandSymbols ..... 4 Schedule.Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . 189 Scheduled Maintenance Services ... 192 Scheduled Maintenance Services. Explanation of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196 ............ 8 SeatCushion.Tilting Seatback.RearFolding .......... 10 Seatback. Reclining Front ........ 9 Seats And RestraintSystems . . . . . . . . . 7 ............ 8 And Seat Controls Front ....................... 8 Securing a Child Restraint Center Rear Seat ...... . 32 RearOutsidePosition . . . . . . . . . . 30 RightFrontSeat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 SecurityLock.RearDoor . . . . . . . . 42 Service ....................... 144 and Appearance Care .......... 143 Parts Identification Label ....... 182 Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218 Publications Ordering Information. Chevrolet/Geo . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220 Work.DoingYourOwn ........ 144 Servicing Your Geo with the Air Bag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 SettingtheClock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 SheetMetalDamage . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 ShiftSpeeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Shiftinginto P (Park) . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Shiftingout of P (Park) .......... 52 ShoulderBeltHeightAdjuster ..... 18 Skidding ...................... 105 Smaller Children and Babies (SafetyBelts) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Snow or Ice. Driving on .......... 112 Spare Tire. Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 1 Speakers. Adjusting the AM/FM Stereo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and CompactDiscPlayer . . . . . . . . 92 AMPM Stereo with Cassette TapePlayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Specifications.Capacitiesand . . . . . 187 SpeedometerandOdometer ....... 72 Starting Your Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Starting.Jump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 Steam Coming fromYour Engine. If There Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Steam. If There Is No . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 Steering ...................... 102 Fluid.Power ................. 158 In Emergencies ............... 103 Power ...................... 102 Tips ........................ 102 Storage Area.Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Compartments.Door . . . . . . . . . . 66 Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162 Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow . . 141 SunVisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Sunroof ....................... 64 Supplemental Restraint System (AirBags) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Switch.Ignition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Symbols.SafetyWarningsand .... 4 Symbols. Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Tank. Filling Your .............. 146 TemperatureKnob .............. 82 Theft .......................... 44 Theft Deterrent Feature AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and CompactDiscPlayer . . . . . . . . 93 AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player .................... 89 229 .. Thermostat .................... 158 TiltWheel ..................... 56 TiltingSeatCushion ............. 8 Tips.Steering .................. 102 Tips.Ventilation ................ 85 Tire Loading ................... 169 Tires ......................... 170 Balance. Wheel Alignment and . . 174 BuyingNew ................. 173 Chains ..................... 174 Changing a Flat .............. 134 Cleaning .................... 180 Inflation Pressure ............. 17 1 Inspection and Rotation ........ 172 TemperatureGrades ........... 173 TractionGrades .............. 173 Treadwear ................... 173 Uniform Quality Grading ....... 173 When It’s Time for New ....... 172 Tone. Setting the AM/FMStereo ............... 87 AM/” Stereo with Cassette Tape and CompactDiscPlayer ........ 91 AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape 88 Player .................... Top Strap (ChildRestraints) ....... 30 Towing A Trailer .................... 1 14 FrontHook-Ups .............. 126 RearHook-Ups .............. 127 YourVehicle ................. 124 Trailer Brakes .................. 116 0 0 m 230 Trailer. Towing a ... .... . . 114 Transaxle Automatic ................... 47 Fluid.Automatic ............. 154 Fluid.Manual ................ 155 Manual ..................... 49 Transportation. Courtesy ......... 217 TripOdometer ................. 73 Trip. Before Leaving on a Long .... 110 TrunkLockRelease ............. 43 TrunkLockRelease.Remote ...... 43 Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator .................... 57 Turn Signalbights Control/Headlight BeamLever ................. 56 Underbody Maintenance ....... UnderstandingRadioReception ... Uniform Tire Quality Grading ..... Used Oil. What to Do With ....... Used Replacement Wheels ........ UsingtheRecoveryHooks ....... 180 95 173 152 174 142 Vehicle Control of a ................. 100 Damage Warnings ............ 5 Dimensions ................. 188 Environment and Your ......... 190 Identification Number (VIN) .... 182 Leaving Your ................ 42 Loading Your ................ 169 Parking Your . . . . . . . 53 Vehicle Rocking ..................... 142 Storage ..................... 162 Symbols .................... 5 TowingYour ................. 124 WashingYour ................ 179 Ventilation .................... 83 Ventilation System. Flow-Through ............... 84 Ventilation Tips ................ 85 Vision,.Night .................. 106 VisorVanity Mirrors ............ 67 Visors.Sun .................... 67 Warning Devices.Other ............... 120 HazardFlashers .............. 120 Lights.GagesandIndicators .... 74 Safety ...................... 4 Vehicle Damage .............. 5 WasherFluid.Windshield ........ 159 Washers.Windshield ............ 60 WashingYourVehicle ........... 179 Water. Driving Through DeepStanding ............... 46 Weatherstrips .................. 180 Weightof the Trailer ............ 115 Wheel Nut Torque .............. 187 . Wheels AlignmentandTireBalance . . . . 174 Aluminum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179 Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 Tilt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 UsedReplacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 Where to Put the Restraint (Child Restraints) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Why Safety Belts Work . . . . . . . . . . 12 55 Windows ..................... Defogging and Defrosting ...... 83 Manual ..................... 55 Power ...................... 55 RearDefogger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Windshield Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 WasherFluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Washers .................... 60 WipermasherLever . . . . . . . . . . 59 Winter Driving ................. 112 WipermasherLever.Windshield . . 59 Your Driving and the Road ...... 97 231 ... Service Station Information Hood Release The Delco Freedoms battery needs no water. See Page 162 Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir Oil Engine Reservoir System Cooling Check and add coolant at the coolant recovery bottle. eenbe shouldfluid The “FULL” and “LOW” marks. Dipstick Oil Engine Capacity 13.2 U.S. Gal. (50 L). Use unleaded gas only, 87 octane or higher. Cold Tire Pressure Spare Tire Pressure Spare: Compact 60 glove See Tire-Loading Informat:ion label on the box door. WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION THROUGH National Institute for AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE