1993 Chevrolet Tracker Owners Manual

Windows

Use the window crank to open and close each door window.

Rear Vent Windows (Option) To open a rear vent window, pull the latch out and forward.

To close the window, pull the latch in and back.

c

H Horn To sound the horn, press the horn symbol on your steering wheel.

I Tilt m e e l (OPTION) 1 tilt steerng wheel allows you to adjust he steering wheel before you drive. lou can also raise it to the highest level o give your legs more room when you :xit and enter the vehicle. ?o tilt the wheel, hold the steering vheel and lower the lever. Move the teering wheel to a comfortable level, hen raise the lever to its highest losition to lock the wheel in place.

H I;he Turn SignaULights

CoPttrolHeadlight Beam Lever

The lever on the left side of the steering column includes your:

Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator Headlight High/Low Beam and Passing Signal Lighting Operation

67

Features & Controls

Turn Signal and lane Change lndicator The turn signal has two upward (for Right) and two downward (for Left) positions. These positions allow you to 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.

A green arrow on the instrument panel will flash in the direction of the turn or lane change. To signal a lane change, just raise or lower the lever until the green arrow starts to flash. Hold it there until you complete your lane change. The lever will return by itself when you release it. As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows don’t flash but just stay on, 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 and Circuit Breakers’’ in the Index) and for burned-out bulbs.

Opentiun of Lights Although your vehicle's lighting system (headlamps, parking lamps, fog lamps, side marker lamps and taillamps) meet all applicable Federal lighting requirements, certain States and Provinces may apply their own lighting regulations that may require special attention before you operate these lamps. For example, some jurisdictions

may require that you operate your low beam lamps with fog lamps at all times, or that headlamps be turned on whenever you must use your windshield wipers. In addition, most jurisdictions prohibit driving solely with parking lamps, especially at dawn or dusk. It is recommended that you check with your own State or Provincial highway authority for applicable lighting regulations.

Turn the outside portion of the lever to control the lights. There are three positions for the light switch.

In OFF, all lights are turned off. The middle position turns on the parking lights, taillights, license plate light and the instrument panel lighting; the headlights are off. The third position turns on the headlights.

Lights On Reminder If you turn the ignition off, remove the key and leave the lights on, a chime will sound to remind you to turn off your lights.

Features & Controls

Headlight High/Low Beam First, you must have the headlights on. (See “Lights” in the Index.) Then, pull the turn signal lever toward you for low beams. For high beams, push the lever away from you. When the high beams are on, a blue light on the instrument panel also will be on. It will go off when you switch to low beam. Passing Signal With the lever in the low beam position, pull the lever toward you to momentarily switch to high beam (to signal that you are going to pass). When you release the lever, the headlights will return to low beam operation.

Daytime Running fights (DM) lndicator Light (Canada) If your vehicle was first sold, when new, in Canada, you will have this light on the instrument panel. It goes on whenever the Daytime Running Lights are on.

Daytime Running f ights (Canada) The Canadian Federal Government has decided that “Daytime Running Lights” (DRL) are a useful feature, in that DRL can make your vehicle more visible to pedestrians and other drivers during daylight hours. DRL are required on new vehicles sold The low beam headlights will come on at reduced brightness in daylight when:

in Canada.

The ignition is on The headlight switch is off, and The parking brake is released.

When you turn on your headlights, DRL will switch off and the exterior lights wil come on. When you turn off

the

4 Interior Lights Dome Light The dome light has a three position switch. 1. The light turns on and stays on whether or not a door is open.

Brightness Control This knob controls the brightness of your instrument panel lights. Turn the knob to the right to brighten the lights or to the left to dim them.

2. The light comes on when a door is

3. The light stays off even when a door

opened.

is open.

the headlights, the exterior lights will go out and the low beams will change to the reduced brightness of DRL again. The DRL indicator light on the instrument panel will go on whenever the DRL are on. This light means that only the DRL are on. When you turn on your exterior lights, this light will go out, Of course, you may still turn on the headlights or passing signal any time you need to. To idle your vehicle with DRL off, set the parking brake. The DRL will stay off until you release the parking brake.

Features & Controls

W@er/Washer Lever The lever on the right side of the steering column controls the windshield wipers and washers. Move the wiper switch to the position you want:

OFF - The wipers are off. INT - Intermittent wiper operation (if your Tracker has this). In light rain or snow, you might want to use this position rather than continuous wiping. LO - The wipers will run continuously at low speed. HI - The wipers will run continuously at high speed.

1 9 . 7 2

For a single wiping cycle, push the lever to MIST. Hold it there until the wipers start, then let go. The wipers will stop after one cycle. If you want more lever on MIST longer. cycles, hold the Washers from snow

Pull the wipedwasher lever toward you to spray washer fluid on the windshield. The spray will continue until you release the lever. This will also turn on the low meed wiDers.

I I ice and

Damaged wiper blades may prevent you from seeing well

enough in a storm to drive safely. To avoid damage, be sure to clear

the wiper blades before using them. If they're frozen to the windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them. If your blades do become damaged, get new blades or blade inserts.

Heavy snow or ice can overload your wipers. A circuit breaker will stop them until the motor cools. Clear away snow or ice to prevent an overload.

r

Weedwasher

turn it off.

rear wiper, push

To turn on your Push again to To spray washer fluid on the rear down. window push about halfway Washerfluid will spray as long as you

hold u. To wash and wipe at the same time, push 0 all the way in. as you hold r\J . To add washer run as long The washer and w&er will fluid, see “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the

’ 1 fluid can be dangerous. A

J Driving without washer bad mud splash can block your I vision. You could hit mother vehicle or go off the road. Check your washer fluid level often.

* In freezing weather, don’t use

your washer until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking your vision.

NOTICE

When using concentrated washer fluid, follow the manufacturer’c instructions for adding wate-

B Don’t mix water with

ready-to-use washer fluid. Wa can cause the solution to freez and damage your washer fluid tank and other parts of the washer system. Also, wate~ loesn’t clean as well as washe luid .

full when

her fluid tank Only it’s very cc This allows for expansion, which could damage the tank if Index. * 5 completely full.

Don’t use radiator antifreeze in {our windshield washer. It can damage your paint.

73...

Features & Controls

Convex Outside Mirror Your right side mirror is convex. A convex mirror's surface is curved so you can see more from the driver's seat.

Outside Manual Adjust Mirrors The mirrors should be adjusted by hand so that you can just see the side of your vehicle, when you are sitting in a comfortable position.

Mimors

Inside Rearview Mirror An inside rearview mirror is attached above your windshield. The mirror has a pivot so that you can adjust it up and down or side to side. Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror You can adjust the mirror for day or night driving. Pull the tab for night

daytime driving.

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. .

>torage and Compartpnents

Glove Box To open the glove box, pull the latch toward you. Use your key to lock and unlock the glove box.

Door Storage Compartments Your doors have a storage compartment.

Front Seat Side Pockets On the outside of each front seat is a storage pocket. Instrument Panel Bins On the top center of the instrument panel is a storage bin.

Features & Controls

Coinholder and Bin Your console has a coinholder and a small storage bin.

Sun Visors

To block out glare, you can swing down the visors. You can also swing them to the side. If the visors swing too easily, tighten the screw on the roof rail.

H Passenger Assist cirtps Your Geo may have assist grips. Passengers can use the grips to help keep their balance over rough roads or during sharp turns.

I

rn Ashtrays and Lighter Front Ashtray Pull the door to open it. To remove the ashtray, press down on the tab and pull out the ashtray.

Other Ashtrays Other ashtrays are located in the rear trim panels. To remove the ashtray, press down on the tab and pull the ashtray out.

Cigarette Lighter To use the lighter, push the lighter in all the way and let go. When it’s ready, it will pop back by itself.

I I W L

Don’t put papers and other things that bum into your ashtrays. If you do, cigarettes or other smoking materials could set them on fire, causing damage.

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

I I

Features & Controls

Instrument Panel 1. Air Vent 2. Side Defroster Vent 3. Turn SignaULights

ControVHeadlight Beam Lever

4. Instrument Cluster 5. Hazard Warning Flasher 6. Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever 7. Rear Window Wiper Switch 8. Comfort Controls 9. Audio System

10. Lighter 1 1. Assist Grip 12. Glove Box 13. Transmission Shift Lever 14. Coinholder and Bin 15. Transfer Case Shift Lever 16. Parking Brake Lever 17. Ashtray 18. Rear Window Washer Switch

19. Ignition Switch 20. Horn 21. Fuse Block 22. Rear Window Defogger Switch 23. Brightness Control

7 9 .

Features & Controls

rn Instrument Panel and

Clusters

Your instrument cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how fast you’re going, about how much fuel you have left, and many other things

you’ll need to know to drive safely and economically. Optional Cluster If you have the optional cluster, your instrument panel gives you additional information. The cluster includes a tachometer.

US. shown; Canada similar

Speedometer and Odometer Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h). Your odometer shows how far your vehicle has been driven, in either miles (used in

the U.S.) or kilometers (used in Canada). Your Geo’s odometer is tamper-resistant. If you can see silver lines between the numbers, probably someone has tried to turn it back. The numbers may not be true.

You may wonder what happens if a vehicle has to have a new odometer installed. If possible, the new one has to be set to the same reading the old one had. If it can’t be, then it’s set at zero, but a label on the driver’s door must show the old reading and when the new one was installed.

U.S. shown; Canada similar

Trip Odometer The trip odometer can tell you how far your vehicle has been driven since you last set the trip odometer to zero. To set the trip odometer to zero, press the knob.

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Features & Conrrols

Wanting Lights, Gages and Indicators

This section describes the warning lights and gages that may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you locate them. Warning lights 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 there may be or is a problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As you will see in the details on the next few pages, some warning lights come on briefly when you turn 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 indicate when there may be or is a problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often’ gages and warning lights work together to let you know when there’s a problem with your vehicle.

Tachometer The tachometer shows engine speed in thousands of revolutions per minute (rpm). You can use it while driving to select correct shift points. The tachometer may not return to zero when the engine is not running.

NOTICE Do not operate the engine with the tachometer in the red area engine damage may occur

9 82

c

When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows there may be a problem, check the section that tells you what to do about it. Please follow the manual’s advice. Waiting do repairs can be costly - and even dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights and gages. They’re a big help.

to

Fuel Gage Your fuel gage shows about how much fuel is in your tank. When the gage first indicates E, you still have a little fuel left (about one or 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.

At the gas station, the gas pump shuts off before the gage reads F. It takes more (or less) gas to fill up than the gage reads. For example, the gage reads 1/2 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.

83.

Features & Controls

Brake System Warning Light 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. Your vehicle also has rear wheel anti-lock brakes. If the warning light goes on, there could be a brake problem with either your regular or rear wheel anti-lock brakes, or both. Have your brake system inspected right away. This light should come on as you start the vehicle. If it doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there’s a problem.

. . .a4

This light will also come on when you set your parking brake, and it will stay on if your parking brake doesn’t release fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is fully released, it means you may have a brake problem. If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the floor. It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service. (See “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index.)

$ Your brake system may not be working properly if the brake warning light is on. Driving with the brake warning light on can lead to an accident. If the light is still on after you’ve pulled off the road and stopped carefully, have the vehicle towed for service.

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-I

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the gage pointer moves to the “H” (red) side, your engine is too hot! It means that your engine coolant has overheated and you should stop your vehicle and turn 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.

Charging System Light This light will come on briefly when you turn on the ignition, but the engine is not running, as a check to show you it is working. Then it should go 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 belt, or another electrical problem. Have it checked right away. Driving while this light is on could drain your battery. If you must drive a short distance with the light all your accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner.

on, be certain to turn off

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) A computer monitors operation of your fuel, ignition and emission control systems. The light should come on when the ignition is on, but the engine is not running, as a check 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 that you have a problem. You should take your vehicle in for service soon.

8 5 . 9 .

If you keep driving your vehicle with this light on, after a while the emission controls won’t work as well, your fuel economy won’t be as good and your engine may not run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs not covered by your warranty.

Engine Oil Pressure Light If you have a problem with your oil, this light may stay on after you start your engine, or come on when you are driving. This indicates that there is not enough pressure to keep your engine properly lubricated and cool. The engine could be low on oil, or could have some other oil related problem. Have it fixed right away. The oil light could also 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 will go out when you turn the engine to START. If it doesn’t come on with the ignition on, you may have a problem with the fuse or bulb. Have it fixed right away. Sometimes when the engine is idling at a stop, the light may blink on and off. This is normal. If you make a hard stop, the light may come on for a moment. This is normal.

- 8 . 8 6

I- ~-

Convertible Top (OPTION)

Your convertible top features a sunroof, a removable rear window and a removable canvas top.

A Don’t change the center - pillars or horizontal roof support. These parts are designed to help protect you and passengers in a crash. Don’t add anything, like light bars or roll bars, to these parts, either. If the center pillars or horizontal roof support are ever damaged, be sure to have them repaired as soon as possible so they’ll be able to protect you in a crash.

CA UTlON

A Don’t keep driving if the oil

pressure is low. If you do, your engine can become so hot that it catches on fire. You or others could be burned. Check your oil as soon as possible and have your vehicle serviced.

NOTlCE Damage to your engine from neglected oil problems can costly and is not covered by your

I

1 * Never raise or lower the top while the- vehicle .is moving, or drive with any

part of the top unfastened or partially -removed. The wind Could and cause- damage. Do not take.your vehicle through an a your convertible -top. . . le top or tap or beat on the plasti windows if your car is out in d d weatIq.4 1 OF (5°C) or below. The. cold. can cause cracks -and other damage ta th ;inb---rs and to the top as it is. being lowered or-raised

0 ,Don? try to lower or raise the conver

t under ‘it

’

’

~. . -

E tc

is down, the trapp ----iter-- cause stains, mildew and damage to *% in-’Je of your car. Be

..e Don’t.lower the top if it is dl. p or w After .. &e to dry -off :&e top.before you lower it. * Don’t lower the convertible top if the rear f

or sic: wndol

Dirt could scratch the side windows.. The convertible top isn’t designed to carry weight. Never let anyone sit on the top, and don’t put anything on top. of it when it is up, or it could be damaged.

are di

’

. .

9 - 8 8

The parts of your convertible top are: 1. Top Bow Latch 2. Front Top Bow 3. Horizontal Roof Support 4. Rear Top Bow 5. Strap 6. Strut 7. Clamp 8. Center Pillar 9. Roof Rail

3pening and Closing Your Sunroof I. Lower your antenna and swing your !. Squeeze the front top bow latch

sun visors down.

buttons and pull the latch back.

3. Unhook the latch from the front top

bow.

4. Swing the front top bow up and back

while folding the canvas top out from between the top bow and the roof support. Be sure that you don’t pinch the canvas top between the front top bow arms and the roof rails.

8 9 - 9

Features & Controls

5. Unfasten the holding strap near the dome light and pull it through the slot in the front top bow.

6. Fasten the holding strap to itself. 7. Push the front top bow latches down

until they “click. ”

8. Swing your sun visors up and raise

your antenna.

Reverse the steps to close your sunroof. Be sure your front top bow is latched securely.

Opening and Closing Your Rear Window Make sure your rear window is clean before you try to remove it. See “Special Care of Canvas Top” in the Index. 1. Unfasten the lower left corner flap to

uncover the zipper pull.

2. Unzip the rear window. If the zipper is hard to move, you can lubricate it with beeswax, bar soap or silicone spray. Remove the window.

A It can be dangerous to drive

with the rear window open or removed. Carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You can’t see it or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If you must drive with the rear window open:

Make sure all other windows arc shut. Turn the fan on your heating or cooling system to its highest speed with the setting on= That will force outside air into your vehicle. See “Comfort Controls” in the Index. If you have air vents on or under the instrument panel, open them all the way.

Reverse the steps to close the rear window. Be sure that it is completely closed.

Removing and Installing Your Rear Window 1. Unfasten the lower corner flaps on

both sides.

2. There are two places on the canvas

on the tailgate marked PULL. Pull at each place to unhook the rear window frame from the tailgate. Also, pull the canvas at the center of the tailgate. I 3. Unzip and remove the rear window.

4. Lay the rear window inside-up on a clean, dry, flat surface and roll the rear window from the bottom to the top.

Reverse the steps to install the rear window. Be sure the rear window is completely closed before driving. Removing and Installing Your Canvas TOP 1. Lower your antenna and swing your

sun visors down.

2. Remove your rear window. See

“Removing and Installing Your Rear Window” in this section.

91 . . -

Features & Controls

3. Unsnap the upper and

lower straps that connect the rear top bow to the side window frames.

4. From inside your vehicle, push out on the lower front corner metal support of the rear side window frames.

5. Unfasten the rear side windows from

the frames.

6. Hook the frames back to the body of

your vehicle. Be sure the strap is above the frame so you don't pinch the strap between the frame and the body of the vehicle.

Snap the strap on the frame to itself.

7. Squeeze the front top bow latch buttons and pull the latch back.

8. Unhook the latch from the front top

bow.

9. Swing the front top bow back so

you'll have some slack in the canvas top.

I O . Unhook the canvas top from the

front top bow.

1 1. Unsnap the tension straps at the

roof rails and pull the straps out of the plastic loops.

12. Unsnap the flaps near the dome

light, that hold the canvas top roof support.

to the

13. Slide out the rear corner pieces.

14. Unsnap the canvas from the rear

top bow.

15. Remove the canvas top from the

vehicle and lay inside-up on a clean, dry, flat surface.

... 94

16. Pull up and back on the rear top bow struts and swing each strut forward.

17. Clamp the struts to the

bow.

rear top

18. Swing down the rear top bow and

secure it with the strap at the inside center of your tailgate.

19. Pull the front top bow forward and

lock it in place.

Reverse the steps to install your canvas top. Be sure:

The front top bow is securely latched. The rear side window frames are installed all the way into the corners of the canvas. The rear side window frames are clamped to the body. The rear straps on the side window frames are snapped. The rear top bow struts are secure in their proper place.

9 5 - . =

I 1 Features & Controls

Preparing Your Canvas Top for Storage 1. Lay the canvas top inside-up on a

clean, dry, flat surface.

2. Fold the side windows onto the top.

3. Fold the front part of the canvas top

over the windows.

4. Lay the rear window on top of the

folded canvas top.

... 96

5. Roll the canvas top around the rear

window.

6. Store in a clean, dry location.

9 7 .

Notes

Notes

99.

Notes

100

m m .

Part 3 Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

I n this part you'll find out how to operate the comfort control system and audio systems offered with your Geo . Be sure to read about the particular system supplied with your vehicle .

Comfort Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 . . . . . 102 Heater Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bi-LevelHeating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Defogging and Defrosting Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Air Conditioner Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Dehumidifying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Rearwindow Defogger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Flow-Through Ventilation System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Audiosystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Setting the Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 AM/FM Stereo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Understanding Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

101

Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

urnfort Controls

With this system, you can control the 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 later in this section.

Heater Controls Air Intake Lever a: Choose this position to recirculate control system. m: Choose this position to circulate

the inside air through the comfort

outside air through the comfort control system. Airflow Lever Use this lever to direct the airflow. *; : This position directs the airflow through the instrument panel vents. \ # : This position directs air through d o the instrument panel vents and toward the floor. WP : This position directs air toward the floor.

-9 : This position directs air toward the floor, the windshield and side windows. till, : This position directs air to the windshield. Temperature Control Lever Slide the lever to change the temperature of the air flowing from the heating system. Move it toward the right for warmer air and to the left for cooler air. The temperature of the air can not be less than the temperature of the outside air. Fan Control Lever

: Slide this lever to turn the heating system on or off. Move the lever toward

to increase the fan's speed.

intake lever t o m .

Heating 1. For the quickest results, move the air 2. Move the airflow lever to w d . 3. Move the temperature lever toward 4. Move the fan lever toward # . 5. You should switch

the right for warmer air.

once in a

to

while to avoid stale air and cloudy windows.

to use bi-level heating on

Bi-Level Heating You may want cool, but sunny days. This setting directs cool air toward your body and warmer air toward your feet. 1. Move the air intake lever t o m . 2. Move the airflow lever to 3. Move the temperature lever to the # .

4. Move the fan lever toward

center.

Ventilation For mild outside temperatures when little heating or cooling is needed, you can still direct outside air through your vehicle. 1 . Move the air intake lever t o m . 2. Move the airflow 3. Adjust the temperature lever to a

lever to

comfortable setting. 4. Move the fan control lever

to

Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

the right.

1. Slide the air intake lever to =. 2. Slide the airflow lever to Q to direct air to the windshield vents. 3. Slide the temperature lever toward 4. Slide the fan lever to # . When the windshield is clear, turn down the fan speed. To defog the side windows, slide the airflow lever to ZJ. For increased airflow to the side vents, close the center vents.

Air Conditioner Controls The air conditioning system uses the same controls as the heating system. The function of each lever is explained under “Heater Controls” in this part. The incoming air is cooled and dehumidified instead of being heated. A/C: Push this button to change your comfort control system from heating to air conditioning. A light will come on when the air conditioning is on. The A/C button can also control the humidity in your vehicle.

... 104

Cooling The air conditioner works best if you keep your windows closed. On very hot days, open the windows just long enough for the hot air to escape. 1. Push the A/C button. 2. Move the air intake lever to

for normal cooling. For faster cooling move the lever t o m .

3. Move the airflow lever to -$ . 4. Move the temperature control lever lever to # .

5. Move the fan control

toward the left.

Dehumidifying On days when it is raining or the humidity is high, follow these dehumidifying steps instead of the cooling directions. It will help clean windows that are cloudy with moisture. 1. Push the A/C button. 2. Move the air intake lever t o m . 3. Move the airflow lever to s- 4. Move the fan control lever toward

5. Adjust the temperature control lever

to a comfortable setting.

(OPTIO~V) I

Rear Window Defogger The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to remove fog from the rear window. Press the switch to turn on the defogger. An indicator light will come on below the switch to remind you that the defogger is on. Press the switch again to turn the defogger off. The rear window defogger will also turn off if you turn the ignition switch to ACC or LOCK. Do not attach anything like a temporary vehicle license or a decal across the defogger grid on the rear window.

Don’t use a razor blade something else sharp on the inside of the rear window. If you do, yc could cut or damage the warming grid, and the repairs would1 be covered by your warranty.

Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

rmw-rirmuflh Ventilation System Your Geo's flow-through ventilation system supplies outside air into the vehicle when it is moving. Outside air will also enter the car when the heater or the air conditioning fan is running.

106

H 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 of it if you acquaint yourself with it first. Find out what your Delco@ audio system can do and how to operate all its controls, to be sure you're getting the most out of the advanced engineering that went into it.

Ventilation Tips

Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow, or any other obstruction (such as leaves). The heater and defroster will work far better, reducing the chance of fogging the inside of your windows. When you enter a car in cold weather, move the fan lever toward # for a few moments before driving off. This helps clear the intake 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 car.

CAUTION A Hearing damage from loud

noise is almost undetectable until it is too late. Your hearing can. adapt to higher volumes of sound. Sound that seems normal can be loud and harmful to your hearing. Take precautions by adjusting the volume control on your radio to a safe sound level before your hearing adapts to it. To help avoid hearing loss or damage:

Adjust the volume control to the lowest setting. Increase volume slowly until you hear comfortably and clearly.

~~

~~

~~~

NU I I L - t 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 to do it properly. Added sound equipment may interfere with the operation of your vehicle’s engine, Delco@ 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 r A : o and telephone units

AMiFM 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.

107

Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

A M W

s I tutu

AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player 1. Press and hold RCL/PROG (TIME SET). At the same time press and hold TUNE 4 (HR) until the correct hour appears.

2. Press and hold RCL/PROG (TIME

SET). At the same time press and hold TUNE b (MIN) until the correct minute appears.

A YFM Stereo To Play the Radio Turn the ON/VOL knob to turn the system.on or off. Volume Turn the ON/VOL knob to adjust the volume. AM-FM Press AM-FM to get AM or FM. The lighted display shows your selection.

Tune Press TUNE, or T U N E 4 to go to a higher or lower station. Press either button and hold to continue tuning and release when you find your display will indicate the frequency of each station tuned.

station. The

r

Seek Press SEEK, or SEEK4 and the radio will tune to 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 the Tone 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.

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 switch the display between time and frequency. Or, press it if you want to see the time when the ignition is off.

Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

9M/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player To Play the Radio h r n the ON/VOL knob to turn the ;ystem on or off. Volume Turn the ON/VOL knob to adjust the volume.

AM-FM Press AM-FM to get AM, FM 1 or FM2. The lighted display shows your selection. Tune Press TUNE, or TUNE4 to go to a higher or lower station. Press either button and hold to continue tuning and release when you find your station. The display will indicate the frequency each station tuned.

of

Seek Press SEEK, or SEEK4 and the radio will tune to 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 18 stations (6 AM, 6 FMl, and 6 FM2), 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 stored.

is

Repeat these steps for each pushbutton.

Setting the Tone 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. Tone Select Press TONE SELECT to choose preset treble and bass equalization settings

designed for “ROCK,” “NEWS,” “POP,” “JAZZ” and “CLASSICAL.” “ROCK” will appear when you first press TONE SELECT. Each time you press TONE SELECT another setting will appear on the display. Press TONE SELECT again after “CLASSICAL” and control of the tone will be back to the treble and bass knobs. 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 right and left speakers.

Preset Scan Press the PRESET SCAN button to hear each of your FM preset stations for a few seconds. When you want to stop at a chosen station, press PRESET SCAN again. Recall Press RCL/PROG to switch the display between time and frequency. Or, press il if you want to see the time when the ignition is off. To Play a Cassette Tape Your tape player is built to work best with tapes that are 30-45 minutes long on each side. Tapes longer than that are so thin they may not work well in this Dlaver.

The longer side with the tape visible should face to the right. If you hear may not be in squarely. Press A to nothing or hear just a garbled sound, it remove the tape and start over. Once the tape is playing, use the knobs for volume and balance, just as you do for the radio. The lighted arrows show which side of the tape is playing. Your bias is set automatically. When a metal or chrome tape is inserted, “MTL” is shown on the display. Fast Forward Press FF to rapidly advance to another or A (Stop/Eject) to return to part of the tape. Press FF, RCL/PROG playing speed.

Rewind Press REW to rapidly reverse the tape.

Press REW, RCLlPROG or A

(Stop/Eject) to return to playing speed. To Play the Next Selection Press NEXT to go forward to the beginning of the next selection. For NEXT to work properly, your tape must have at least three or four seconds of silence between each selection. Previous Press PREV to hear the last selection over. Press PREV again or press RCL/PROG or cancel this function.

(Stop/Eject) to

Program Press RCL/PROG 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. Dolby DD@ Press 00 to remove noise from Dolby DD@ NR-encoded tapes. Dolby@’ Noise Reduction is manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

EJECT Press A to remove the tape or stop the tape 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. Theft-Deterrent Feature The theft-deterrent feature for the AM/FM stereo with cassette tape player can be used or ignored. If ignored, the system plays normally. If it is used, your system won’t be usable if it’s ever stolen.

Setting Your Security Code to The instructions below tell you how enter a security code into the system. If your vehicle loses battery power for any reason, you must enter the security code again before the system will turn on. 1. Write down any four-digit number

and keep it in a safe place.

2. Turn 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 “-L” shows on the display.

You are now ready to enter your security code. Don’t wait more than 15 seconds between steps. 5. Press 4SEEKb and/or 4TUNEb

and “OOOO” will appear on the display.

6. Press SEEK4 and hold it until the

first digit of your code appears. Release the button.

7. Press SEEK, and hold it until the second digit of your code appears. Release the button.

8. Press TUNE4 and hold it until the

third digit of your code appears. Release the button.

113.

Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

9. Press TUNE, and hold it until the

fourth digit of your code appears. Release the button.

10. Press AM-FM after you have

checked that the code you entered is the one you wrote down. Your code is not stored and “SEC” will appear on the display.

How to Shut Off the Theft-Deterrent Feature If your radio is secured (“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 “----” shows

on the display. You are now ready to enter your security code.

2. Press the SEEK4 button and hold it

until the first digit of your code appears.

3. Press the SEEK, button and hold it

until the second digit of your code appears.

4. Press the TUNE4 button and hold it

until the third digit of your code appears.

5. Press the TUNE, button and hold it

until the fourth 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.

If the code is correct, the radio will operate. If the code is wrong, ‘bErr” will appear in the display. To Unlock the System after a 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 4SEEKb and/or 4TUNEF

and “00o0” will appear on the display.

2. Press the SEEK4 button and hold it

until the first digit of your code appears.

3. Press the SEEK, button and hold it until the second digit of your code appears.

4. Press the TUNE4 button and hold it

until the third digit of your code appears.

5. Press the TUNE, button and hold it

until the fourth digit of your code appears.

6. Press AM-F” after you have

checked that the code matches the one you wrote down. Now “SEC” will appear in the display,

Understanding Radio Reception F” Stereo FM stereo will give you the best sound, but FM signals will reach only about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). And, tall buildings or hills can interfere with FM signals, causing the sound to come and go. AM The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM, especially at night. The longer range, however, can cause stations to interfere with each other. AM can pick up noise from things like storms and 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 stored in 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 or the tape player is at fault. If this other cassette has no improvement in sound quality, clean the tape player. 115

Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

Antenna Use the knob on the end of the antenna to raise the antenna or to push it back down. Keep the antenna mast clean for good performance.

Always lower the antenna before entering a car wash. If you have the canvas top, also lower the antenna before removing or installing the top.

Clean your tape player with a 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 that the cassette tape is in good condition before you have your tape player serviced.

... 116

Part 4 Your Driving and the Road

find information

H e r e YOU’II about driving on different kinds of roads and in varying weather conditions . We’ve also included many other useful tips on driving .

Roadsigns .......................................................... 118 DefensiveDriving .................................................... 122 DrunkenDriving ..................................................... 123 Control of a Vehicle .................................................. 126 Driving Guidelines ................................................... 140 Off-Road Driving with Your Geo Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 Drivingat Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157 Driving in the Rain ................................................... 160 Driving in Fog. Mist and Haze ......................................... 162 City Driving ........................................................ 164 Freeway Driving ..................................................... 165 Driving a Long Distance .............................................. 167 Hilland MountainRoads .............................................. 169 ParkingonHills ..................................................... 171 Winter Driving ...................................................... 173 TowingaTrailer ..................................................... 177 ......................... Recreational Towing 186

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

117 . =

Your Driving and the Road

WAY I

L A w7 LOW

SHOULDER

Color of Road Signs RED means STOP. It may also indicate that some movement is not allowed. Examples are DO NOT ENTER and WRONG WAY.

ORANGE indicates road construction or maintenance. You’ll want to slow down when you see an orange sign, as part of the road may be closed off or torn up. And there may be workers and maintenance vehicles around, too.

m Road Signs The road signs you see everywhere are coded by color, shape and symbols. It’s a good idea to know these codes so that you can quickly grasp the basic meaning or intent of the sign even before you have a chance to read it.

NARROW BRIDGE

YELLOW indicates a general warning. Slow down and be careful when you see a yellow sign. It may signal a railroad crossing ahead, a no-passing zone, or some other potentially dangerous situation. Likewise, a yellow solid painted on the road means “Don’t Cross.”

line

GREEN is used to guide the driver. Green signs may indicate upcoming freeway exits or show the direction you should turn to reach a particular place.

... 118

V YIELD

Shape of Road Signs The shape of the sign will tell you something, too. An OCTAGONAL (eight-sided) sign means STOP. It is always red with white letters.

A TRIANGLE, pointed downward, indicates YIELD. It assigns the right-of-way to traffic on certain approaches to an intersection.

HOSPITAL

INF(

BLUE signs with white letters show motorists' services.

CANOEING

SWIMMING

BROWN signs point out recreation areas or points of historic or cultural interest.

w'

END DIVIDED HIGHWAY

A DIAMOND-shaped sign is a warning of something ahead - for example, a curve, steep hill, soft shoulder, or a narrow bridge.

A TRIANGULAR sign also is used on two-lane roads to indicate a NO PASSING ZONE. This sign will be on the left side of the roadway.

1 1 9 .

Your Driving and

KEEP RIGHT

THROUGH

LEFT OR

RIGHT TURN

ONLY

RECTANGULAR (square or oblong) signs show speed limits, parking regulations, give directions and such information as distances to cities.

FOOD

NO RIGHT

TURN

Symbols on Road Signs There are many international road signs in use today.

Traffic Lights We’re all familiar with traffic lights or stop lights. Often green arrows are being used in the lights for improved traffic control. On some multilane roads, green arrows light up, indicating that traffic in one or more lanes can move or make a turn. Green arrows don’t mean “go no matter what. ” You’ll still need to proceed with caution, yielding the right of way to pedestrians and sometimes to other vehicles. Some traffic lights also use red arrows to signify that you must stop before turning on red.

NO U TURN

BICYCLES

NO

NO

PARKING

The basic message of many of these signs is in pictures or graphic symbols. A picture within a circle with a diagonal line across it shows what not to do.

. 120

Y

REVERSIBLE LANE ON MULTI-LANE ROADWAY

NO PASSING ZONE

Many city roads and expressways, and zven bridges, use reversible-lane traffic :ontrol during rush hours. A red X light above a lane means no driving in that lane at that time. A green arrow means you may drive in that lane. Look for the signs posted to warn drivers what hours and days these systems are in effect.

Pavement Markings Pavement markings add to traffic signs and signals. They give information to drivers without taking attention from the roadway. A solid yellow line on your side of the road or lane means “don’t xoss. ”

Your Own Signals Drivers signal to others, too. It’s not only more polite, it’s safer to let other drivers know what you are doing. And in some places the law requires driver signals. Turn and lane change signals. Always signal when you plan to turn or change lanes. If necessary, you can use hand signals out the window: Left arm straight out for a left turn, down for slow or about-to-stop, and up for a right turn.

Your Driving and the Road

Slowing down. If time allows, tap the brake pedal once or twice in advance of slowing or stopping. This warns the driver behind you. Disabled. Your four-way flashers signal that your vehicle is disabled or is a hazard. See “Hazard Warning Flashers” in the Index. Trafilc Officer The traffic police officer is also a source of important information. The officer’s signals govern, no matter what the traffic lights or other signs say. The next section discusses some of the road conditions you may encounter.

.122

Defensive Driving

The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defensively. Please start with a very important safety device in your Geo: Buckle up. (See “Safety Belts” in the Index.) Defensive driving really means “be ready for anything.” On city streets, rural roads, or freeways, it means “always expect the unexpected. ” Assume that pedestrians or other drivers are going to be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might do. Be ready for their mistakes.

Expect children to dash out from behind parked cars, often followed by other children. Expect occupants in parked cars to open doors into traffic. Watch for movement in parked cars - someone may be about to open a door. Expect other drivers to run stop signs when you are on a through street. Be ready to brake if necessary as you go through intersections. You may not have to use the brake, but if you do, you will be ready. [f you’re driving through a shopping center parking lot where there are well-marked lanes, directional arrows, and designated parking areas, expect

some drivers to ignore all these markings and dash straight toward one part of the lot. Pedestrians can be careless. Watch for them. In general, you must give way to pedestrians even if you know you have the right of way. Rear-end collisions are about the most preventable of accidents. Yet they are common. Allow enough following distance. It’s the best defensive driving maneuver, in both city and rural driving. You never know when vehicle in front of you is going to brake or turn suddenly.

the

Here’s a final bit of information about defensive driving. The most dangerous time for driving in the U.S. is very early on Sunday morning. In fact, GM Research studies show that the most and the least dangerous times for driving, every week, fall on the same day. That day is Sunday. The most dangerous time is Sunday from 3 a.m. to 4 a.m. The safest time is Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Driving the same distance on a Sunday at 3 a.m. isn’t just a little more dangerous than it is at 10 a.m. It’s about 134 times more dangerous! That leads to the next section.

Drunken Driving Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a national tragedy. It’s the number one contributor to the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims every year. Alcohol takes away three things that anyone needs to drive a vehicle:

Judgment Muscular Coordination Vision

Police records show that half of all motor vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol - a driver, a passenger or someone else, such as a pedestrian, had been drinking. In most cases, these

Your Driving and the Road

deaths are the result of someone who was drinking and driving. Over 25,000 motor vehicle-related deaths occur each year because of alcohol, and thousands of people are injured. Just how much alcohol is too much if 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.

The Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of someone who is drinking depends upon four things:

How much alcohol is in the drink. The drinker’s body weight. The amount of food that is consumed before and during drinking. The length of time it has taken the drinker to consume the alcohol.

According to the American Medical Association, a 180-pound (82 kg) person who drinks three 12-ounce (355 ml) bottles of beer in an hour will end up with a BAC of about 0.06 percent. The person would reach the same BAC by drinking three 4-ounce (120 ml) glasses of wine or three mixed drinks if each had 1- 1/2 ounces (45 ml) of a liquor like whiskey, gin or vodka. It’s the amount of alcohol that counts. For example, if the same person drank three double martinis (3 ounces or 90 ml of liquor each) within an hour, the person’s BAC would be close to 0.12 percent. A person who consumes food just before or during drinking will have a slightly lower BAC level.

DRINKING THAT WILL IN THE TIME SHOWN

RESULT IN A BAC OF .05%

-1

i noUR

1 2 HOURS

I =

IVJ 120 140 160 180 Mo 220 240

aoov WEIGHT IN POUNDS

The law in most U.S. states sets the legal limit at a BAC of 0.10 percent. In Canada the limit is 0.08 percent, and in some other countries it’s lower than that. The RAC will be over 0.10 percent after three to six drinks (in one hour). Of course, as we’ve seen, it depends on how much alcohol is in the drinks, and how quickly the person drinks them. But it’s very important to keep in mind that the ability to drive is affected well below a BAC of 0.10 percent. Research shows that the driving skills of many people are impaired at a BAC

approaching 0.05 percent, and that the effects are worse at night. All drivers are impaired at BAC levels above 0.05 percent. Statistics show that the chance of being in an accident increases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of 0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level of 0.06 percent (three beers in one hour for a 180-pound or 82 kg person) has doubled his or her chance of having an accident. At a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the chance of that driver having an accident is six times greater; at a level of 0.15 percent, the chances are twenty-five times greater! And, the body takes about an hour to rid itself of the

alcohol in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold showers will speed that up. “I’ll be careful” isn’t the right answer. What if there’s an emergency, a need to take sudden action, as when a child darts into the street? A person with a higher BAC might not be able to react quickly enough to avoid the collision.

Your Driving and the Road

There's something else about drinking and driving that many people don't know. Medical research shows that alcohol in a person's system can make crash injuries worse. That's especially true for brain, spinal cord and heart injuries. That means that if anyone who has been drinking - driver 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 chance of a crash itself is higher for drinking drivers.

A Drinking and then driving is

very dangerous. Your reflexes, perceptions, and