check oil CHEVROLET S10 1995 2.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Charging System lndicator Light
The red charging
system indicator light
is above your oil
temperature gage on
your instrument
cluster and 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.
It should go
out once the engine is running. If it stays on, or comes on while
you are driving, you may have a problem with the charging system. It could
indicate that
you have problems with a 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 on, be certain to turn off all
your accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner.
CHECK GAGES lndicator Light
CHECK
GAGES
This amber CHECK
GAGES indicator
light
is above the fuel
gage
on the instrument
cluster and will come
on briefly when you
are starting the engine.
If the light comes on and stays on while you are driving, check your coolant
temperature and engine oil pressure gages
to see if they are in the warning
zones.
2-62

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine A CAUTION:
Don’t keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If you do, your
engine can become
so hot that it catches fire. You or others could
be burned. Check your oil
as soon as possible and have your
vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Damage to your engine from neglected oil problems can be
costly and is not covered
by your warranty.
Fuel Gage
The fuel gage tells
you about how much
fuel you have
remaining when the
ignition
is on. When
the gage first indicates
empty, you still have a
little fuel left, but you
should get more fuel
soon.
Here are four things that some owners ask about. None of these show a
problem with your fuel gage:
At the gas station, the gas pump shuts off before the gage reads full.
0 It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the gage indicated. For
example, the gage may have indicated the tank was half full, but it
actually took a little more or less than half the tank’s capacity to fill the
tank.
0 The gage moves a little when you turn a corner or speed up.
The gage doesn’t go back to empty when you turn off the ignition.
For your fuel tank capacity, see the Index under “Fluid Capacities.”
2-66

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine A scrubbing action cleaner cassette is available through your retailer (SPO
12344600).
Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may degrade over time.
Always verify that the cassette tape
is in good condition and the tape player
is clean before obtaining service on your tape player.
NOTICE:
Cassette tape adapter kits for portable CD players will not work
in your cassette player. These adapters will cause the radio
to
display an error and the adapter cassette will be ejected.
Care of Compact Discs
Handle discs' carefully. Store them in their original cases or other protective
cases and away from direct sunlight and dust. If the surface of a disc
is
soiled, dampen a clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution and
clean it, wiping from the center to the edge.
Antenna Care
The fixed mast antenna can withstand most car washes without being
damaged. If the mast should ever become slightly bent, you can straighten
it
out by hand. If the mast is badly bent, as it might be by vandals, you should
replace it.
Check every once in a while to be sure the mast is still tightened
to the
fender.
3-19

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The
exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of
motion. After driving for any distance at higher speeds, you may tend to
think you are going slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you must start when you’re
not fresh
- such as after a day’s work - don’t plan to make too many
miles that first part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive
in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it serviced and maintained,
it’s ready to
go. If it needs service, have it done before starting out. Of
course, you’ll find experienced and able service experts in GM dealerships
all across North America. They’ll be ready and willing to help if you need
it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are all windows clean
inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked all levels?
Lights: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
0 Tires: They are vitally important to a safe, trouble-free trip. Is the tread
good enough for long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook along your route?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
Should
you delay your trip a short time to avoid a major storm system?
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain
falling asleep at the wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or
whatever.
There
is something about an easy stretch of road with the same scenery,
along with the hum of the tires on the road,
the drone of the engine, and the
rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don’t let it
happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can leave the road in
less than a
second,
and you could crash and be injured.
What can you
do about highway hypnosis? First, be aware that it can
happen.
4-29

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down while you:
Start your engine;
Shift into a gear; and
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re pulling a trailer. See
the Maintenance Schedule for more on this. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid (don’t
overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, belt, cooling system, and brake
adjustment. Each of these is covered in this manual, and the Index will help
you find them quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s a
good idea to review these
sections before you start your trip.
Check periodically to
see that all hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Lighting Systems Wiring
See “Trailer Wiring Harness” in the Index.
4-49

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the U.S. or Canada,
unleaded fuel may be hard to find. Do not use leaded gasoline. If you use
even one tankful, your emission controls won’t work well or at all. With
continuous use, spark plugs can get fouled, the exhaust system can corrode,
and your engine oil can deteriorate quickly. Your vehicle’s oxygen sensor
will be damaged. All of that means costly repairs that wouldn’t be covered
by your warranty.
To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or contact a major oil
company that does business in the country where you’ll be driving.
You can also write us at the following address for advice. Just tell us where
you’re going and give your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
General Motors Overseas Distribution Corporation,
North American Export Sales (NAES)
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario
L1H 8P7
Filling Your Tank
/”
.
The fuel cap is behind
a hinged door on the
left side
of your
vehicle.
6-4

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Oil
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you get fuel. In order to
get an accurate reading, the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be on
level ground.
Turn off the engine
and give the
oil a few
minutes to drain back
into the oil pan.
If you
don’t, the oil dipstick
might not show the
actual level.
To Check Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then push it
back in all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip down.
6-8

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid level is when the
engine oil is changed. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
when to change your fluid. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the
Index.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this
done at your GM dealership Service Department.
If
you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could
get a false reading on the dipstick.
I NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your transmission. Too
much can mean that some of the fluid could come out and fall\

on
hot engine parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if you check your transmission fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transmission fluid level if you
have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
0 At high speed for quite a while.
0 In heavy traffic - especially in hot weather.
0 While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal operating
temperature, which
is 180°F to 200°F (82°C to 93°C).
To check transmission fluid hot: Get the vehicle warmed up by driving
about
15 miles (24 krn) when outside temperatures are above 50°F ( 1 0°C).
If it’s colder than 50°F (lO”C), drive the vehicle in THIRD GEAR (D) until
the engine temperature gage moves and then remains steady for ten minutes.
Then follow the hot check procedures.
6- 14

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Manual Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is changed. However,
the fluid in your manual transmission doesn't require changing.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this
done at your
GM dealership Service Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could
get a false reading.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your transmission. Too
much can mean that some of the fluid could come out and fall on
hot engine parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if
you check your transmission fluid.
Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the vehicle is parked on
a level place and the transmission is cool enough for
you to rest your fingers
on the transmission case.
Then, follow these steps:
h
1. Remove the filler
Plug-
2. Check that the
lubricant level is
up to the bottom
of the filler plug
hole.
3. If the fluid level is good, install the plug and be sure it is fully seated. If
the fluid level is low, add more fluid as described in the next steps.
6-17

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
Automatic Transmission Service (severe conditions)
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km)
Engine Accessory Drive Belt Inspection
Spark Plug Wire Inspection
Engine Timing Check
Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement (2.2L Code 4 engine Only)
-
Schedule /I Definition
Follow Schedule I1 only if none of the conditions from Schedule I is true.
Schedule I1 Intervals I
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km)
Engine Oil and Filter Change (or every 12 months)
Chassis Lubrication (or every 12 months)
Drive Axle Service
At 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) - Then Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
Tire Rotation
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
Cooling System Service (or every 24 months)
Spark Plug Replacement (Except 2.2L Code
4 engine)
Fuel Filter Replacement
Air Cleaner Filter Replacement
Front Wheel Bearing Repack (2-Wheel Drive
Only)
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
Automatic Transmission Service (severe conditions)
7-5