CHEVROLET TRACKER 1997 Workshop Manual

A CAUTION:
Never do this.
Here two children are wearing the same belt. The
belt can’t properly spread the impact forces. In a
crash, the two children can be crushed together
and seriously injured.
A belt must be used by
only one person
at a time.
A:
What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt,
but the child is
so small that the shoulder belt is
very close to the child’s face or neck?
Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but
be sure that the shoulder
belt still is on the child’s
shoulder, so that in
a crash the child’s upper body
would have the restraint that belts provide.
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I A CAUTION:
Never do this.
Here a child is sitting in
a seat that has a
lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind
the child.
If the child wears the belt in this way, in
a crash the child might slide under the belt. The
belt’s force would then be applied right on the
child’s abdomen. That could cause serious or
fatal injuries.
Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt
should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching
the child’s thighs. This applies belt force
to the child’s
pelvic bones in
a crash.
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Safety Belt Extender
If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you
should use it.
But if
a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your
dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go
in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the
extender will be long enough for you. The extender will
be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that
you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use
it
only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach it
to the regular safety belt.
Checking Your Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and
anchorages are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see
anything that might keep a safety belt system from
doing its job, have it repaired.
Tom or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is
torn or frayed, get a new
one right away.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
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Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts?
After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn
during a more severe crash, then you need new belts.
If you ever see a label on the driver’s or the right front
passenger’s safety belt that says to replace the belt, be
sure to do
so. Then the new belt will be there to help
protect you in a collision. You would see
this label on
the belt near the door opening.
If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision
damage also may mean you will need to have safety belt
or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs
may be necessary even if the belt wasn’t being used at
-
the time of the collision.
If an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bag
system parts. See the part on the air bag system ear
in this section. tlier
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Gem Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your Geo, and information on starting, shifting
and braking. Also explained
are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is working
properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2-2
2-3
2-5
2-6
2-7 2-7
2-9
2-10
2- 14
2-
17
2-2 I
2-23
2-25
Keys
Door Locks
Tailgate
Theft
New Vehicle ‘Break-In”
Ignition Positions Starting Your Engine
Automatic Transmission Operation
Manual Transmission
Four-wheel Drive Parking Brake
Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic
Transmission Models Only)
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission)
2-26 Parking Over Things That Burn
2-27
2-27
2-28
2-29
2-29
2-37
2-3
8
2-39
2-4 1
2-43
2-44
2-44
2-5
8
2-60 2-62
Engine Exhaust
Running Your Engine While You’re Parked
(Automatic Transmission)
Windows
Horn
Turn SignaVMultifunction Lever
Exterior Lamps
Interior Lamps
Mirrors Storage Compartments
Ashtrays and Lighter
Sun Visors
Convertible Top
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel Cluster
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
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Keys
I
Leaving young children in a vehicle with the
ignition key is dangerous for many reasons.
A child or others could be badly injured or
even killed.
They could operate power windows or other
controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle with young children.
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One key is used for the
ignition, the doors and all
other locks.
When
a new Tracker is
delivered, the dealer
removes the metal plate
from the key ring and gives
it
to the first owner.
The metal plate has a code on it that tells your dealer or
a qualified locksmith how to make extra keys. Keep the
code in a safe place. If you lose your keys,
you’ll be able
to have new ones made easily using this code.
NOTICE:
Your Geo has a number of features that can help
prevent theft. However, you can have a lot of
trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever lock
your keys inside. You may even have to damage
your vehicle to get in.
So be sure you have an
extra key.
Door Locks
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
Passengers
-9 especially children 9- can easily
open the doors and fall out. When a door is
locked, the inside handle won’t open it.
Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked
door when you slow down or stop your vehicle.
This may not be
so obvious: You increase the
chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash if the doors aren’t locked. Wear safety belts
properly, lock your doors, and you will be
far
better off whenever you drive your vehicle.
There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle.
From the outside,
use your key. To lock the door, turn
the key toward the front
of the vehicle. To unlock the
door, turn the key toward the rear.
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To lock the door from
8 the inside, push down
the button on the door.
To unlock it, pull up on
the button.
IC
Power Door Locks (If Equipped)
Push the front of the power
door lock switch to lock all
the doors and the tailgate.
To unlock the doors and
tailgate, push the rear
of the
power door lock switch.
Rear Door Security Locks @-Door Models)
Your Geo is equipped with
rear security door locks that
help prevent passengers
from opening the rear doors
of your vehicle
from the inside.
To use one
of these locks:
1. Move the lever down to engage the lock.
2. Close the door.
3. Do the same to the other rear door lock.
The rear doors
of your vehicle cannot be opened from
the inside when this feature is in use.
If you want to open a rear door when the security lock is
on, unlock the door from the inside, then open the door
from the outside.
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If you don’t cancel the security lock feature, adults or
older children who ride in the rear won’t be able to open
the rear door from the inside.
You should let adults and
older children know how these security locks work, and
how to cancel the locks.
To cancel the rear door lock:
1. Unlock the door from the inside and open the door
2. Move the lever up to disengage the lock.
from
the outside.
3. Do the same for the other rear door.
The rear door locks will now work normally.
Leaving Your Vehicle
If you are leaving the vehicle, take your key, open your
door and set the locks from inside. Then get out and
close the
door.
Tailgate
It can be dangerous to drive with the tailgate
window open because carbon monoxide
(CO) gas
can come into your vehicle. You can’t see
or smell
CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
If you must drive with the tailgate window open
or
if electrical wiring or other cable connections
must pass through the seal between the body and
the tailgate window:
Make sure all windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the setting
on CIRCULATE. That will force outside
air into your vehicle. See “Comfort
Controls” in the Index.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.
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Tailgate Lock Release
Use your key to lock or
unlock your tailgate.
If you have a convertible, you can still open or close the
tailgate with the rear window closed.
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your Geo has a number of theft-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make
it impossible to steal. However, there are ways you
can help.
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves
-- so
don’t do it.
When you park your Geo and open the driver’s door,
you’ll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key
from the ignition and take it with you. Always do
this.
Your steering wheel will be locked, and so will your
ignition.
If you have an automatic transmission, taking
your key out also locks your transmission. And
remember to lock the doors.
Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.
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