1996 Chevrolet Tracker Owners Manual

8-3

Chevrolet/Geo Roadside Assistance Program

To enhance Chevrolet/Geo's strong commitment to customer satisfaction, Chevrolet/Geo is excited to announce the establishment of the Chevrolet/Geo Roadside Assistance Center. As the owner of a 1996 Chevrolet/Geo, membership in Roadside Assistance is free.

Roadside Assistance is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by calling 1-800-CHEV-USA (1-800-243-8872). This toll-free number will provide you over-the-phone roadside assistance with minor mechanical problems. If your problem cannot be resolved over the phone, our advisors have access to a nationwide network of dealer recommended service providers. Roadside membership is free, however some services may incur costs. Roadside offers two levels of service to the customer, Basic Cure and Courtesy" Care: 0 Toll-free number, 1 -800-CHEV-USA 0 Free towing for warranty repairs 0 Basic over-the-phone technical advice

Available dealer services at reasonable costs (ie., wrecker services, locksmith/key service, glass repair, etc.)

ROADSIDE Courtesy " Care PROVIDES:

Roadside Basic Care services (as outlined above) Plus: FREE Non-Warranty Towing (to the closest dealer from a legal roadway)

a FREE Lochmith/Key Service (when keys are lost

on the road or locked inside)

0

FREE Flat Tire Service (spare installed on the road) FREE Jump Start (at home or on the road) FREE Fuel Delivery ($5 of fuel delivered on the road)

Chevrolet/Geo offers Courtesy Transportation for customers needing warranty service. Courtesy Transportation will be offered in conjunction with the coverage provided by the BUMPER-TO-BUMPER New Vehicle Limited Warranty to eligible purchasers of 1996 Chevrolet/Geo passenger car and light duty trucks. (Please see your selling dealer for details.) Note: Courtesy Care is available to Retail and Retail Lease Customers operating 1996 and newer Chevrolet/Geo vehicles for a period of 36 months/36,000 miles. All Courtesy Care services must be pre-arranged by Chevrolet/Geo Roadside or dealer Service Management. Basic Care and Courtesy Care are not part of or included in the coverage provided by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Chevrolet/Geo reserves the right to modify or discontinue Basic Care and Courtesy Care at any time.

For complete program details, see your Chevrolet/Geo dealer to obtain a Roadside Assistance Center brochure. The Roadside Assistance Center uses companies that will provide you with quality and priority service. When roadside services are required, our advisors will explain any payment obligations that may be incurred for utilizing outside services. For prompt assistance when calling, please have the following available to give to the advisor:

Vehicle Identification Number License plate number Vehicle color Vehicle location Telephone number where you can be reached

0 Vehicle mileage

Description of problem

Please refer to the Roadside Assistance brochure inside your owner information portfolio for full program details.

8-5

Canadian Roadside Assistance Vehicles purchased in Canada have an extensive Roadside Assistance program accessible from anywhere in Canada or the United States. Please refer to the separate brochure provided by 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 with the coverage provided by the BUMPER-TO-BUMPER New Vehicle Limited Warranty to retail purchasers of 1996 Chevrolet/Geo passenger cars and light duty trucks (please see your selling dealer for details). Courtesy Transportation includes:

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 five days, OR Up to $30 maximum daily cab, bus, or other transportation allowance in lieu of rental for any overnight warranty repair up to five days, OR Up to $10 daily fuel allowance for rides provided by another person (i.e., friend, neighbor, etc.) in lieu of rental for any overnight warranty repair up to five days.

8-6

Note: All Courtesy Transportation arrangements will be administered by your Chevrolet/Geo dealer service management. Claim amounts should reflect all actual costs. Chevrolet/Geo Courtesy Transportation is not part of the BUMPER-TO-BUMPER New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Chevrolet/Geo reserves the right to make any changes or discontinue Courtesy Transportation at any time without notification.

0 For additional program details contact your

Chevrolet/Geo dealer.

In Canada, please consult your GM dealer for information on Courtesy Transportation. Some state insurance regulations make it impractical to rent vehicles to people under 21 years of age. If you are under 21 and have difficulty renting a vehicle, Chevrolet/Geo will reimburse up to $3O/day for documented transportation you receive. For warranty repairs during the Complete Vehicle Coverage period in the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, interim transportation may be available under the Courtesy Transportation Program. Please consult your dealer for details. The Roadside Assistance program is available only in the United States and Canada.

GM Participation in BBB AUTO LINE -- Alternative Dispute Resolution Program* *This program may not be available in all states,' depending on state law. Canadian owners refer to your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklet. General Motors reserves the right to change eligibility limitations and/or to discontinue its participation in this program. Both Chevrolet/Geo and your Chevrolet/Geo dealer are committed to making sure you are completely satisfied with your new vehicle. Our experience has shown that, if a situation arises where you feel your concern has not been adequately addressed, the Customer Satisfaction Procedure described earlier in this section is very successful. There may be instances where an impartial third party can assist in arriving at a solution to a disagreement regarding vehicle repairs or interpretation of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. To assist in resolving these disagreements, Chevrolet/Geo voluntarily participates in BBB AUTO LINE.

BBB AUTO LINE is an out-of-court program administered by the Better Business Bureau system to settle disputes between customers and automobile manufacturers. This program is available free of charge to customers who currently own or lease a GM vehicle. If you are not satisfied after following the Customer Satisfaction Procedure, you may contact the BBB using the toll-free telephone number, or write them at the following address:

BBB AUTO LINE Council of Better Business Bureaus 4200 Wilson Boulevard Suite 800 Arlington, VA 22203 Telephone: 1-800-955-5 100

8-7

To file a claim, you will be asked to provide your name and address, your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and a stxternent of the nature of your complaint. Eligibility is limited by vehicle age and mileage, and other factors. We prefer you utilize the Customer Satisfaction Procedure before you resort to AUTO LINE, but you may contact the BBB at any time. The BBB will attempt to resolve the complaint serving as an intermediary between you and Chevrolet/Geo. If this mediation is unsuccessful, an informal hearing will be scheduled where eligible customers may present their case to an impartial third-party arbitrator. The arbitrator will maKe a decision which you may accept or reject. If you accept the decision, GM will be bound by that decision. The entire dispute resolution procedure should ordinarily take about 40 days from the time you file a claim until a decision is made. Some state laws may require you to use this program before filing a claim with a state-run arbitration program or in the courts. For further information, contact the BBB at 1-800-955-5100 or the Chevrolet/Geo Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222- 1020.

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a 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 it finds that a safety defect exists in 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 from the Hotline.

8-8

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle has a 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 3J2

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO GENERAL MOTORS In addition to notlfying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us. Please call us at 1-800-222-1020, or write:

Chevrolet/Geo Customer Assistance Center P.O. Box 7047 Troy, Michigan 48007-7047

In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French), or write: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Assistance Center 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7

Service, and Owner Publications

Service manuals, service bulletins, owner’s manuals and other service literature are available for purchase for all current and many past model General Motors vehicles. Toll-free telephone numbers for ordering information:

United States Canada . . .

. ~ .

1-800-551-4123 . . 1-800-668-5539

8-9

Service Manuals Service manuals contain diagnostic and repair information for all chassis and body systems. They may be useful for owners who wish to get a greater understanding of their vehicle. They are also useful for owners with the appropriate skill level or training who wish to perform “do-it-yourself” service. These are authentic General Motors service manuals meant for professional, qualified technicians. Service Bulletins Service bulletins covering various subjects are regularly sent to all General Motors dealerships. GM monitors product performance in the field. When service methods are found which promote better service on GM vehicles, bulletins are created to help the technician perform better service. Service bulletins may involve any

number of vehicles. So,me will describe inexpensive service; others will describe expensive service. Some will advise of new or unexpected conditions, and others may help avoid future costly repairs. Service bulletins are meant for qualified technicians. In some cases, bulletins refer to service manuals, specialized tools, equipment and safety procedures necessary to service the vehicle. Since these bulletins are issued throughout the model year and beyond, an index is required and published quarterly to help identify specific bulletins. Subscriptions are available. You can order an index at the toll-free numbers listed previously, or ask a GM dealer to see an index or individual bulletin. Owner Publications Owner’s manuals, warranty folders and various owner assistance booklets provide owners with general operation and maintenance information.

NOTES

8-11

NOTES

8-12

Gem Section 9 Index

A i r ~ a g

...................................... I -24 Adding Equipment ............................ 1-30 How Does it Restrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28 How it Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26 Location .................................... l-26 Readiness Light ......................... 1-25, 2-61 Servicing ................................... 1-2 9 What Makes it Inflate .......................... 1-27 What Will You See After it Inflates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28 When Should it Inflate ......................... 1-27 AirCleaner .................................... 6-13 Airconditioning ................................ 3-2 Air Conditioning Refrigerants ..................... 6-64 Alignment and Balance, Tire ...................... 6-46 Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning ...................... 6-54 Antenna ...................................... 3-19 Antifreeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-24 Anti-Lock

Brake System Active Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-64, 4-8 Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-63, 4-6 Brakes ...................................... 4- 6 Appearance Care ................................ 6-48

6-56 8-7 2-40 3-6

Appearance Care Materials ....................... Arbitration Program .............................. Ashtrays ...................................... Audio Systems .................................. Automatic

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

Overdrive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13 Overdrive Off Switch .......................... 2-13 Shifting ..................................... 2-10 Starting Your Engine ........................... 2-8 2-8.2-10 T E U I S ~ ~ S S ~ O ~ Transmission Check ........................... 7-48 Transmission Fluid ............................ 6-15 Transmission Operation ........................ 2-10 Transmission Park Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-50 Axle, Front .................................... 6-23 ............................. Axle, Rear . . 6-21 Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-33 Jump Starting ................................. 5-2 Warnings .................................... 5-2 BBB Auto Line ................................. 8-7 Better Business Bureau Mediation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7 9-1

Brake

Adjustment .................................. 6-33 Fluid ....................................... 6-29 Master Cylinder .............................. 6-29 Parking ..................................... 2-20 PedalTravel ................................. 6-32 Replacing System Parts ........................ 6-33 System Warning Light ......................... 2-62 Trailer ...................................... 4-51 Transmission Shift Interlock .................... 2-23 Transmission Shift Interlock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-49 Wear ....................................... 6-32 ............................... Brakes.Ant i.Lock 4-6 Braking ........................................ 4-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8 Braking in Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Break.In. New Vehicle 2-6 Brightness Control .............................. 2-36 BTSI ......................................... 2-23 BTSICheck ................................... 7-49 Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-34

Canadian Roadside Assistance . . Canvas Top

. . . . . . . . 8-6

And Plastic Window Care ...................... 6-53 Lowering and Raising ......................... 2-49 Preparing for Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-54 Removing and Installing ....................... 2-53

9-2

7-47

6-62

2.25, 4.42 . . 3.8, 3.11

Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carbon Monoxide ......................... Cassette Deck Service ........................... Cassette Tape Player .................. Cassette Tape Player Care ........... . . . . . . . . 3-18 CD Player Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15 Certification Label .............................. 4-46 Certificationmire Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-46 Chains. Safety .................... . . . . . . . . 4-51 Chains. Tire ...................... . . . . . . . . 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22 Changing a Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charging System Light .......................... 2-61 Checking Your Restraint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-46 Chemical Paint Spotting .......................... 6-55 Child Restraints ...................... . . . . . . 1-37 . . . 1-38 . . . 1-40 1-38 1-37 2-40 6-58 6-13

Securing in a Rear Seat Position . . . . . . . . . Securing in the Right Front Seat Position . . TopStrap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WheretoPut ................................ Cigarette Lighter ............................... Circuit Breakers and Fuses ....................... Cleaner. Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cleaning

Aluminum Wheels ............................ 6-54 Canvas Top and Plastic Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-53 Fabric ...................................... 6-49 Glass ....................................... 6-51 InsideofYourGeo ............................ 6-48

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

............................. 6-51 Instrument Panel Outside of Your Geo .......................... 6-52 Special Problems ............................. 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-50 Stains ..................... Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-54 Vinyl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-50 Wheels ..................................... 6-54 Windshield and Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-51 Climate Control System ............................ 3-1 Clock, Setting the ................................ 3-6 . . . 6-21 Clutch Adjustment Coinholder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-40 . . . . 3-1 Comfort Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Compact Disc Care 3-19 Compact Disc Player ............................ 3-1 1 Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Convertible Top ................................ 2-42 Convex Outside Mirror .......................... 2-38 Coolant ....................................... 6-24 Levelcheck ................................. 5-15 RecoveryTank ............................... 5-16 Radiator .................................... 5-19 Temperature Gage ............................ 2-64 Cooling System ................................ 5 - 14 Courtesy Transportation ........................... 8-6

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

. . . . 2-32 Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cruise Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33 Cupholders .................................... 2-40 Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users . . . . . . . . . 8-3 Customer Assistance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1 Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . .

. . .

. . . . .

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

. . . . . . 6-55 Damage. Finish . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-54 Damage. Sheet Metal . . . . . Daytime Running Lamps ......................... 2-35 Daytime Running Lamps Indicator Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-69 5-2 Dead Battery ............ 8-8 Defects. Reporting Safety Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1 . . . . . . . . . . 3-5 Defogger. Rear Window . . . . . . . Defogging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4 Defrosting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4 ............................ 6-64 Dimensions. Vehicle Dome Lamps .................................. 2-36 Door

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

Locks . . . . . Storage .....................................

2-3 2-39 Downshifting ............................. 2- 15, 2- 16 Drive Position. Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12 Driver Position ................................. 1-18

Driving

City ........................................ 4-34 Defensive .................................... 4-1 Drunken ..................................... 4-2 Freeway .................................... 4-35 Guidelines .................................. 4- 14 InaBlizzard ................................. 4-41 I n . Foreign Countries ........................... 6-4 In the Rain .................................. 4-31 Night ...................................... 4-29 Off-Road ................................... 4-14 On Curves. .................................... 4-9 On Grades While Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-53 On Hill and Mountain Roads .................... 4-37 On Snow and Ice ............................. 4-40 Throughwater ............................... 4-33 WetRoads .................................. 4-31 Winter ...................................... 4-39 With a Trailer ................................ 4-52 DrunkenDriving ................................ 4-2 E a s y Entry Seat ................................ 1-4 Electrical Equipment. Adding ................. 2-9. 6-57 Electrical System ............................... 6-57 Engine ........................................ 6-8 Coolant ..................................... 6-24 Coolant Level Check .......................... 7-47

9-4

Gage . .

Temperature

Coolant Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Identification . . . . . . Main Fuse Block . . . . . . Oil Level Check . . . . . . . . . . . . Overheating ................................. Running While Parked ......................... Specifications ................................ Stating Your .............................

. . . . . . . . . 2-64 ......... 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . 6-57 . . . . . . . . . 6-60 . . . . . . . . . 7-47 5-12 2-25 6-62 2-8, 2-9 Engine Compartment Main Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-60 EngineOil ..................................... 6-9 Adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 -10 Additives ................................... 6-12 Checking ................................... 6-10 Used ....................................... 6-13 When to Change .............................. 6-12 Ethanol ........................................ 6-3 Exhaust, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25

Fabric Cleaning ............................... 6-49 Fifth Gear, Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14 FillingYourTank ................................ 6-4 Filter. Air ..................................... 6-14 Finish Care .................................... 6-52 FinishDamage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55 First Gear, Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14 Flashers, Hazard Warning 5-1

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

FranGais

. .

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

Flash-to-Pass Feature . . . . . . . . . . 2-30 . . . . . 5-22 Flat Tire. Changing . . . 6-63 Fluid Capacities ...................... ..... 7-53 Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreign Countries. Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4 Fourth Gear. Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . 2-14 Four-wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... 2.16. 6.22 .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 French Language Manual Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-23 Front Seat Side Pockets .......................... 2-39 Front Sidemarker Lamp Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . 6-37 FrontTowing ................................... 5-9 Front Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement .......... 6-36 Fuel .......................................... 6-2 Canada ...................................... 6-3 DoorLock ................................... 6-5 Filling Your Tank ............................... 6-4 Gage ....................................... 2-69 In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-4 .Fuses and Circuit Breakers ....................... 6-58

G a g e s

Engine Coolant Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . Fuel

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-69 GAWR ....................................... 4-46 Gear Positions, Automatic Transmission ............. 2- 10

. . . 2-64

Gear Positions. Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14 GloveBox .................................... 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-46 Gross Axle Weight Rating Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ...................... 4-46 .. ..................... Guide en 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-46 GVWR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

. . . .

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

Halogen Bulbs ..................... Hazard Warning Flashers Head Restraints ..................... Headlamps ....................... Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . High/Low Beam Changer ....................

. . . . 6-34 . . 5-1 . . . . . . . 1-3 . . . . . . . . . 2-29 . . . . . . . . . 6-34 2-29 Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3 Heating ........................................ 3-3 Highway Hypnosis .............................. 4-37 Hill and Mountain Roads ......................... 4-37 Hitches, Trailer . . . . . . . . ..................... 4-51 Hood

Checking Things Under . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prop ..................... Release ...................................... Horn ......................................... Hubs. Freewheeling ............................. Hydroplaning ..................................

. . . . . . . 6-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 6-6 2-28 2-17 4-33

9-5

Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 Inflation, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-41 Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-37 Inspections .................................... 7-51 Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-52 Exhaust Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5 1 Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5 1 Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Seal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5 1 Radiator and Heater Hose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-51 RearAxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-52 Steering .................................... 7-51 . . . . . . . . . . . 7-51 Suspension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Throttle Linkage .............................. 7-52 Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-56 Brightness Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-36 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-51 Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-58 Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-58 . . . 2-36

Interior Lamps ....................

Jack. Tire . . . . Jump Starting . .

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

5-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

K e y Lock Cylinders Service ..................... 7-48 . Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

9-6

Labels

Certification ................................. 4-46 Certification/Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-46 Service Parts Identification ..................... 6-57 8 Tire-Loading Information ...................... 4-46 Vehicle Identification Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-57 Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35 Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-36 Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-36 . . . . . . . 2-29 On Reminder . . . . . . . . . , . . . Lamps Control ........................ . . 2-29 Leaving Your Vehicle ............................. 2-4 Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running . . . . . . . 2-22 Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-40 Lights

Air Bag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25.2.6. 2-61 Anti-Lock Brake System Active . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-64. 4-8 . . 2.63, 4.6 Anti-Lock Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . 2-62 Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-61 Cruise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33 Daytime Running Lamps Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-69 Oil Pressure ................................. 2-67 Overdrive0 fi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-69 Rear Window Defogger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

. .

Safety Belt Reminder ..................... Service Engine Soon .......................... .....................

1-1 3. 2.60 2-65 4-46 Loading Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . ................ 7-48 Cylinders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 Door ........... FuelDoor .................................... 6-5 Key Lock Cylinder Service ..................... 7-48 PowerDoor .................................. 2-3 Rear Door Security ............................. 2-4 Steering Column Lock Check ................ 1 .. 7-50 Window .................................... 2-27 Low, Automatic Transmission ..................... 2- 12 Lowering and Raising the Canvas Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-49 Lubricants and Fluids ............................ 7-53 Lubrication Service, Body ........................ 7-48

Maintenance, Normal Replacement Pa& . . . . . . . . . . . 6-62 Maintenance Record ............. ' . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-55 Maintenance Schedule ............................ 7-1 Long Tripmighway Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6 Long Tripmghway Intervals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6, 7-32 Owner Checks and Services ..................... 7-47 Periodic Maintenance Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5 1 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-53 Scheduled Maintenance Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

7-4

Short Trip/City Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Short Trip/City Intervals .................. 7.4,7. 7.8

2.8. 2.14

Maintenance. Underbody ......................... 6-55 Maintenance When Trailer Towing ................. 4-55 Malfunction Indicator Lamp ...................... 2-65 Manual Adjust Mirror ........................... 2-37 ManualFrontSeat ............................... 1-1 Manual Transmission ........................ Shifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................. 2-14 Starting Your Engine ........................... 2-8 Fluid ....................................... 6-19 Methanol ....................................... 6-3 Mirrors ....................................... 2-37 Convex Outside .............................. 2-38 Inside Daymight Rearview ..................... 2-37 Manual Adjust ............................... 2-37 Power Remote Control ......................... 2-38 MMT ......................................... 6-3 ... ......... 111 Model Reference . . . . . . . . . Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-37 Multifunction Lever ............................. 2-28

Neutral, Automatic Transmission ................. 2-11 Neutral, Manual Transmission ..................... 2-15 ............................ New Vehicle Break-In 2-6 Night Vision ................................. 4-30

9-7

Odometer .................................... 2-59 Odometer. Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-59 Off-Road Driving .............................. 4- 14 Off-Road Recovery ............................. 4- 11 Oil. Engine ...................................... 6-9 Oil Pressure Light .............................. 2-67 Overdrive. Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 13 Overdrive Off Light ............................. 2-69 Overheating Engine ............................. 5- 12 Owner Checks and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-47 Owner Publications. Ordering ...................... 8-9

Paint Spotting. Chemical . . Park

. . . . .

. . . 6-55

Automat.ic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10 Shifting Into ................................. 2-21 . . . 2-23 Shifting out of . . . . . . . . . .

. . .

Parking

AtNight ..................................... 2-6 Brake ...................................... 2-20 Brake Mechanism Check ....................... 7-50 Over Things That Bum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24 With a Trailer ................................ 4-54 Your Vehicle. Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24 Parking Lamp Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-36 Passenger Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1

. . .

. . . . 4-11 Passing ....................... Periodic Maintenance Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-51 Power

. . . . . . . . . .

. .2-3 Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Remote Control Mirror ........................ 2-38 Steering ..................................... 4-9 Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-27 Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-27 Power Mode Selector Switch ...................... 2-13 Pregnancy. Use of Safety Belts .................... 1-31 Preparing Your Canvas Top for Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-54 Problems on the Road ............................ 5-1 Publications. Service and Owner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

Radiator. Coolant .............................. 5-19 Radiator Pressure Cap ........................... 6-26 Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17 Radios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6 Rain. Driving In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31 Rear

Axle ....................................... 6-21 Combination Lamp Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-38 Door Security Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 Seat Passengers .............................. 1-31 Sidemarker Lamp Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-38 Towing ..................................... 5-10

Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement . . . .................... Window Defogger Window Defogger Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Windshield Washer ...........................

. . . 6-38 . . . . 3-5 3-5 2-3 1

Rear Window

Removing and Installing ........................ Reclining Front Seatbacks .......................... Rearview Mirrors ...............................

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

Convex Outside Inside Daymight ............................. Manual Adjust Control Power Remote

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

. . . . . . .

Recovery Hooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Recovery Tank, Coolant Recreational Vehicle Towing .................... Refrigerants, Air Conditioning .................... the Rear Window .............................

...

2-46 1-2 2-37 ...... 2-38 2-37 . . . . . . . . 2-37 ...... 2-38 . . . . . . 5-34 ... 5-16 4-43 6-64 2-46

Replacement

Bulbs ...................................... Parts ....................................... Wheel ......................................

Replacing Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . Reporting Safety Defects . . . . .

6-61 6-62 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8

Restraints

Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-46 Child ....................................... 1-37 Head ........................................ l-3 Replacing Parts After a Crash .................... 1-46 System Check ................................ 7-48 Reverse, Automatic Transmission .................. 2-11 Reverse, Manual Transmission .................... 2-15 Right Front Passenger Position .................... 1-31 Roadside Assistance .............................. 8-4 Roadside Assistance, Canadian ..................... 8-6 ........................... 5-34 Rocking Your Vehicle Rotation, Tires ............................... 6-42

safety Belt Extender .......................... 1-46 Safety Belts ................................... 1-13 Adults ...................................... 1-18 Care ....................................... 6-51 Children .................................... l-35 Driver Position ............................... 1-18 Extender .................................... l-46 How to Wear Properly ......................... 1-18 Incorrect Usage .................... 1-20, 1-44, 1-45 Lap-Shoulder . . . 1-18, 1-32

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

9-9

Larger CMdren .............................. 1-43 Passenger Position ............................ 1-3 1 Questions and Answers ........................ 1-17 . RearSeat Passengers .......................... 1-31 1 - 13. 2.60 Reminder Light ......................... Replacing After a Crash ........................ 1-46 Right Front Passenger Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1 Smaller Children and Babies .................... 1-35 Use During Pregnancy ........... : ............. 1-31 WhyTheyWork .............................. 1-14 Safety Chains ................................... 4-51 Safety Defects. Reporting ......................... 8-8 'Safety Warnings and Symbols ....................... iv Scheduled Maintenance Services .................... 7-3 ......................... Seatback. Reclining Front 1-2 Seats

EasyEntry ................................. 1-4 ManualFront ................................. 1-1 Rear .................................... 1-5. 1-9 Restraint Systems .............................. 1-1 Seat Controls ................................. 1-1 Securing a Child Restraint ...................... 1-37 Second Gear. Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 12 Second Gear. Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 14

Service ..............................

. . . 6-1 Bulletins. Ordering ............................. 8-9 Engine Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-65 Manuals. Ordering ............................. 8-9 Parts Identification Label ....................... 6-57 Publications. Ordering .......................... 8'9 Work. Doing Your Own ......................... 6-1 Service and Appearance Care ...................... 6-1 Service and Owner Publications .................... 8-9 Service Publications .............................. 8-9 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Geo .............. 1-29 SheetMetalDamage ............................ 6-54 Shift Lever ............................... 2-10. 2-14 ShiftSpeeds ................................... 2-15 Shifting Automatic Transmission ..................... 2-10 Into Park (P) ................................. 2-21 Manual Transmission .......................... 2-14 OutofPark .................................. 2-23 Side Window. Removing and Installing the ........... 2-47 SignalingWs ................................ 2-28 Skidding ...................................... 4-13 Sound Equipment. Adding ........................ 3-18 Specifications and Capacities ...................... 6-62

9-10

. . . . . . . 6-62 Specifications. Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Speech Impaired. Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3 Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 59 Stains, Cleaning ................................ 6-50 Starter Switch Check ............................ 7-49 Steam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12 Steering ......................... . . 4-9 . . . . . . . 7-50 Column Lock Check In Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4- 10 Power .................................. . . 4-9 Tips ........................... . . . .*. 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-39 Storage Areas Storage, Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-33 Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-33 Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-41 Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi Symbols, Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

. . .

. . .

Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-59 Tailgate ........................................ 2-5 Tailgate Lock Release ............................ 2-5 Tape Player Care ............................... 3- 18 Theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 Theft-Deterrent Feature, CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15 Thermostat .................................... 6-26 Third Gear, Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

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

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

. . 6-47 Tire Chains Tire Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-46 Tire-Loading Information Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-46 Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.40 . . 6-46 Alignment and Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-44 Buying New . . 6-47 Chains ............................ . . 5-22 Changing a Flat ....................... Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-54 Inflation .................................... 6-41 Inflation Check ............................... 7-47 Inspection and Rotation ........................ 6-42 Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-46 Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-41 Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-45 . . . . . . . . . . 6-45 Traction ...................... Treadwear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-45 Uniform Quality Grading ....................... 6-44 Wear Indicators .............................. 6-43 Wheel Replacement ........................... 6-46 ....................... 6-43 When It’s Time for New TopStrap ..................................... 1-38 TorqueLock ................................... 2-23 Torque, Wheel Nut ......................... 5-31, 6-63 Towing a Trailer ................................ 4-48 Towing, Recreational Vehicle ..................... 4-43 Towing Your Vehicle ............................. 5-7

. . .

9-11

Trailer

Brakes ..................................... 4-51 Driving on Grades ............................ 4-53 Driving with ................................. 4-52 Hitches ..................................... 4-51 Maintenance When Towing ..................... 4-55 ParkingonHills .............................. 4-54 Safety Chains ................................ 4-51 Tongueweight ............................... 4-50 Total Weight on Tires .......................... 4-50 Turnsignals ................................. 4-53 Weight ..................................... 4-49 Transfer Case. Manual Shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 18. 6-22 Transmission Fluid

Automatic ................................... 6- 15 Manual ..................................... 6-19 Transportation. Courtesy .......................... 8-6 Trip Odometer ................................. 2-59 TTYUsers ..................................... 8-3 Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28 Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer ................ 4-53

Underbody Flushing Service ..................... Underbody Maintenance . . . .

7-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55

Vehicle

Control ...................................... 4-5

9-12

Damage Warnings ............................... Dimensions ................................. 6-64 Identification Number ......................... 6-57 .................... Loading . . . . . . . . . . . 4-46 .................... Storage . . . . . . . 6-33 Ventilation System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3 Visors. Sun .................................... 2-41

w a r n i n g Devices ............................... 5-2 Warning Lights. Gages and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-60 ........................ 6-28 Washer Fluid. Windshield ........................... 6-52 Washing Your Vehicle Weatherstrips .................................. 6-52 Wheel Alignment .................................. LockKey ................................... Nut Torque ............................. Replacement ................................. Wrench ..................................... Window Lock .................................. Windows. Power ............................... ............................. Windshield Washer

6-46 5-23 5-31. 6-63 6-46 5-23 2-27 2-27 2-31 Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-28. 2-31 Fluid Level Check ............................ 7-47 Rear ....................................... 2-31 .............................. 2-30 Rear ........................... : ........... 2-31 Winter Driving ................................. 4-39 Wrench. Wheel ................................. 5-23

Windshield Wiper

. c

---Lii-----'

Gem The 1996 Geo Tracker Owner’s Manual

,This section explains how to start and operate your Geo.

This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the air bag system.

This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system.

Seats and Restraint Systems ............................................................. FeaturesandControls .................................................................. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems ..................................................... YourDrivingandtheRoad .............................................................. Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions. ProblemsontheRoad .................................................................. ServiceandAppearanceCare. ........................................................... . M a i n t e n a n c e S c h e d u l e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Customer Assistance Information ........................................................ Index ................................................................................

This section tells you how to contact Chevrolet/Geo for assistance and how to get service and owner publications. It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 8-8.

This section tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc.

This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use.

Here the manual tells you how to keep your Geo running properly and

looking good.

Here’s an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.

1-1

2- 1

3-1

4-1

5-1

6-1

7-1

8-1

9-1

--- .HI ---

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem, GEO, the GEO Emblem and the name TRACKER are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation, time it This manual includes the latest information at the was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the product after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Chevrolet/Geo whenever it appears in this manual. Please keep this manual in your Geo, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it.

Litho in U S A . Part No. 10277493 B First Edition

ii

We support voluntary technician certification.

11

I - ”’ WE SUPPORT

VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION THROUGH

National Institute for

A U T O M O T I V E

S E R V I C E

E X C E L L E N C E

For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual: Aux proprietaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en franpis chez votre concessionaire ou au:

DGN Marketing Services Ltd. 1500 Bonhill Rd. Mississauga, O n m o L5T IC7

@Copyright General Motors Corporation 1995 All Rights Reserved

4-DOOr Hardtop

2-Door Convertible

About Driving Your Geo As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate , this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or an accident. Be sure to read the “on-pavement” and “off-road” driving guidelines in this manual. (See “Driving Guidelines” and “Off-Road Driving with your Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicle” in the Index.)

How to Use This Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly. Index ’ A good place to look for what you need is the Index in the back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of all that’s in the manual, and the page number where you’ll find it.

iii

You will also find a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symbol means “Don’t,’’ “Don’t do this,’’ or “Don’t let this happen.”

Safety Warnings and Symbols You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning.

CAUTION:

‘ .

These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people.

In the 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. If you don’t, you or others could be hurt.

, iv

Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will find these notices:

NOTICE:

These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle.

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, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you 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 the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.

Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.

For example, these symbols are used on an original battery:

These symbols are important for you and your passengers whenever your vehicle is driven:

FASTEN SEAT BELTS

These symbols have to do with your lights:

These symbols are on some of your controls:

TURN

SIGNALS e e3 LAMPS pq

PARKING

WINDSHIELD WIPER

WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER

,\I/,

DAYTIME * RUNNING

LAMPS ' * *

$0

VENTILATING FAN

&?

FOG LAMPS

CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY

PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING

CAUSTIC

A C I b T E L i CAUSE BURNS

AVOID SPARKS OR FLAMES

SPARK OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE BATTERY

vi

FUSE *

Here are some other symbols you may see:

These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights:

- t-

ENGINE t

COOLANT TEMP

LIGHTER

(0) HORN )tr SPEAKER b

BAllERY CHARGING SYSTEM

BRAKE

COOLANT

ENGINE OIL w, ANTI-LOCK (@)

PRESSURE

BRAKES

FUEL

Ge@ Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Here you’ll find information about the seats in your Geo and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts. Seats and Seat Controls This part tells you about the seats -- how to adjust them, and also about reclining front seatbacks, head restraints, easy entry seats and the folding rear seatback. Manual Front Seat

You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving.

Lift the lever under the front seat to unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it. Release the lever and try to move the seat with your body, to make sure the seat is locked into place.

1-1

Reclining Front Seatbacks

To adjust the seatback, lift the lever on the outer side of the seat. Release the lever to lock the seatback where you want it. Pull up on the lever, and the seat will go to its oripinal upright position.

But don't have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving.

1-2

it

job when

Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job because won’t be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can’t do its job either. In belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly.

a crash the

Head Restraints Head restraints are fixed on some models and adjustable on others. Slide an adjustable head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your ears. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash. To raise or lower the restraint, push in the release while you pull up or push down on the restraint.

1-3

A CAUTION: -

If any easy entry seat isn’t locked, it can move. In a sudden stop or crash, the person sitting there could be injured. And, even if there is no crash or sudden stop, a driver sitting in an unlocked easy entry seat could be startled by the sudden movement and hit the wrong control or pedal, causing an accident. After you’ve used it, be sure to push rearward on any easy entry seat ta be sure it is locked.

Easy Entry Seats (2-Door)

The front seats of your vehicle make it easy to get in and out of the rear seat.

When you pull up on the recliner release lever, the seatback will tilt forward and the whole seat can slide forward by hand. After someone gets into the rearseat area, move the seatback to its original position. Then move the seat rearward until it locks.

1-4

I

0 To get out, pull the release handle on the rear of the

passenger’s side front seat.

Folding the Rear Seatback (2-Door Models) The rear seat in your Geo folds to provide more cargo space. To fold the rear seat, lower the rear seatback and then flip the whole rear seat up against the front seats.

1. Swing the safety belt buckles forward and down.

1-5

II

2. Pull the knobs on both sides of the seatback. If

you have the split rear seat, you can fold half of the seat by pulling only the knob on the side you wish to fold.

3. Fold the seatback down.

1-6

4. Unlock the bottom part of the seat:

0 On the one-piece rear seat, pull out the

release ring.

0 On the split rear seat, lift the release lever on

either seat.

5. Lift the bottom of the seat up and push it toward the

front of the vehicle.

6. Find the support bar on the bottom of the seat. This

bar keeps the rear seat from unfolding.

7. Pull the inner end of the support off of the seat

bracket and swing it down.

1-7

To unfold the seat: Keep your hands, safety belts and other objects away from where the seat will rest. 1.

Pull the support bar out of the floor bracket and swing it up and toward the bottom of the seat. Push and secure the support bar into the bracket on the bottom of the seat. Slowly pull the seat down to the floor. The seat should latch into place. Pull up on the bottom of the seat to be sure it is locked in position. Pull the seatback up and push it back to lock it into place. Push and pull the top of the seatback to be sure the seatback is locked in position.

2.

3.

4.

8. Attach support bar to the floor bracket.

1-8

The rear seat in your Geo folds forward to provide more cargo space. To fold the rear seat forward:

2. Pull up on the lock knob on the top of each seatback

1. Tuck the seatbelts into the storage groove between

the seatbacks.

3. While pulling up on the lock knob, fold each rear

seatback down. Both rear seatbacks must be folded down in order to move the seat forward.

4. Unsnap the strap located on the back of the

passenger’s side rear seatback.

5. Pull the release ring out to unlock the bottom of

the seat.

6. Lift the bottom of the seat up and push it toward the

front of the vehicle.

- 1-11

To raise the rear seat: 1.

Unhook the strap from the floor loop and snap it on the back of the passenger’s side rear seatback. Slowly pull the seat down to the floor until it latches into place. Pull up on the bottom of the seat to be sure it is locked into position. While pulling the lock knob up on each rear seatback, pull each seatback up and push it into place. Push and pull the top of the seatback to be sure it is locked into position.

2.

3.

7. Hook the strap to the floor loop to secure the folded

rear seat.

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Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. And it explains the air bag system.

Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passengers’ belts are fastened properly too.

Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. (See “Safety Belt Reminder Light” in the Index.)

In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work. 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 bad one. 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 many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 25 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot!

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hy Safety When you ride it goes.

Belts WOI 1 in or on anything, you go as fast as

Put someone on it.

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat on wheels.

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Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn’t stop.

The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ...

or the instrument panel . . .

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or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, 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?

A: You could be -- whether you’re wearing a safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you’re upside down. And your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted.

Q: If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to

wear safety belts?

A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be in most 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 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 if you’re in an accident -- even one that isn’t your fault -- you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 kmb). Safety belts are for everyone.

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How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults This part is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller chldren and babies. If a child will be riding in your Geo, see the part of this manual called “Children.” Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We’ll start with the driver position. Driver Position This part describes the driver’s restraint system. Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a 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.

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3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.

Don’t let it get twisted. The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly.

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. And you’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 go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

6& CAUTION:

You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too muck, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.

=A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly

as much protection this way.

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- A CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you.

e.' What's wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

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e.' What's wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is worn, under the arm. It should

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which aren't as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen.

Q: What’s wrong with this?

You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it.

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

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Air Bag System This part explains the air bag system. Your Geo has two air bags -- one air bag for the driver and another air bag for the right front passenger. Here are the most important things to know about the air bag system:

I 6% CAUTION: You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you aren’t wearing your safety belt -- even if you have an air bag. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. The air bag is only a “supplemental restraint.” That is, it works with safety belts but doesn’t replace them. CAUTION: (Continued)

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go 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.

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Air bags are designed to work only in moderate to severe crashes where the front of your vehicle hits They aren’t designed to inflate at all in -thing. rollover, rear, side or low-speed frontal crashes. Everyone in your vehicle, including the driver, should wear a safety belt properly -- whether or not there’s an air bag for that person.

Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, it could seriously injure you. Safety belts help keep you in position for an air bag inflation in a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with an air bag. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle.

A CAUTION: