CHEVROLET TRACKER 1999 2.G Owners Manual

Second Printing for Chevrolet Tracker Owner's Manual ± 1999
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6-11 1.6L Engine
When you open the hood, you'll see the following:
JE±16±0006±X
A. Main Fuse Box
B. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
C. Battery
D. Engine Oil DipstickE. Radiator Pressure Cap
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap
G. Power Steering Fluid ReservoirH. Brake Fluid Reservoir
I. Engine Coolant Reservoir
J. Windshield Washer Reservoir

Second Printing for Chevrolet Tracker Owner's Manual ± 1999
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6-12 2.0L Engine
When you open the hood, you'll see the following:
JE±16±0007±X
A. Main Fuse Box
B. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
C. Battery
D. Power Steering Fluid ReservoirE. Automatic Transmission
Dipstick
F. Radiator Pressure Cap
G. Engine Oil DipstickH. Engine Oil Fill Cap
I. Brake Fluid Reservoir
J. Engine Coolant Reservoir
K. Windshield Washer Reservoir

Second Printing for Chevrolet Tracker Owner's Manual ± 1999
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6-13
Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps
are on.
Then lift the hood to relieve pressure on the hood prop.
Remove the hood prop from the slot in the hood and
return the prop to its retainer. Then let the hood down
and close it firmly.
Engine Oil
X±02±0034±T
If the engine oil pressure
light on the instrument
panel comes on, it means
you need to check your
engine oil level right away.
For more information, see ªEngine Oil Pressure Lightº
in the Index. You should check your engine oil level
regularly; this is an added reminder.
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.
JE±16±0025±XJE±16±0008±X
1.6L Engine 2.0L Engine
The engine oil dipstick is a yellow ring handle. On the
1.6L engine, it is located near the front of the engine
compartment towards the passenger's side of the
vehicle. On the 2.0L engine it is located near the center
of the engine on the passenger's side of the vehicle.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don't, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.

Second Printing for Chevrolet Tracker Owner's Manual ± 1999
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6-14 Checking 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, and check the level.
JE±16±0024±X
1.6L Engine
JE±16±0009±X
2.0L Engine
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is at or below the L (low) mark, then you'll
need to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use
the right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use.
For crankcase capacity, see ªCapacities and
Specificationsº in the Index.
NOTICE:
Don't add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the upper
mark that shows the proper operating range,
your engine could be damaged.
The engine oil fill cap is located in the front of the
engine compartment.
Be sure to fill it enough to put the level somewhere in
the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you're through.

Second Printing for Chevrolet Tracker Owner's Manual ± 1999
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6-15 What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
X±06±0900±S
Oils recommended for your
vehicle can be identified by
looking for the ªStarburstº
symbol. This symbol
indicates that the oil has
been certified by the
American Petroleum
Institute (API). Do not use
any oil which does not carry
this Starburst symbol.
If you change your own oil, be sure you use oil that has
the Starburst symbol on the front of the oil container. If
you have your oil changed for you, be sure the oil put
into your engine is American Petroleum Institute
certified for gasoline engines.
You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your
vehicle, as shown in the following chart:
X±06±3738±T

Second Printing for Chevrolet Tracker Owner's Manual ± 1999
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6-16
As shown in the chart, SAE 10W-30 is best for your
vehicle. However, you can use SAE 5W
-30 if it's going
to be colder than 60F (16C) before your next
oil change. When it's very cold, you should use
SAE 5W
-30. These numbers on an oil container
show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other
viscosity oils, such as SAE 20W
-50.
NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum
Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines
ªStarburstº symbol. Failure to use the
recommended oil can result in engine damage
not covered by your warranty.
GM Goodwrench oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
If you are in an area where the temperature falls below
-20F (-29C), consider using either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W
-30 oil. Both will provide
easier cold starting and better protection for your engine
at extremely low temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Don't add anything to your oil. Your dealer is ready to
advise if you think something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil
If any one of these is true for you, use the short trip/city
maintenance schedule:

Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.

Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop
-and-go traffic).

You operate your vehicle in dusty areas or
off
-road frequently.

You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
your vehicle.

The vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
Driving under these conditions causes engine oil to
break down sooner. If any one of these is true for your
vehicle, then you need to change your oil and filter
every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months
-- whichever
occurs first.

Second Printing for Chevrolet Tracker Owner's Manual ± 1999
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6-17
If none of them is true, use the long trip/highway
maintenance schedule. Change oil and filter every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 7.5 months
-- whichever
occurs first. Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed
engine under highway conditions causes engine oil to
break down slower.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could
even cause cancer? Don't let used oil stay on your skin
for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and
water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw
away clothing or rags containing used engine oil.
(See the manufacturer's warnings about the use and
disposal of oil products.)
Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all free
-flowing oil
from the filter before disposal. Don't ever dispose of oil
by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil.
If you have a problem properly disposing of your used
oil, ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling
center for help.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
JE±16±0010±X
The engine air cleaner/filter is located on the
passenger's side of the engine compartment toward the
front of the vehicle.

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6-18
CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter
off can cause you or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if
the engine backfires. If it isn't there, and the
engine backfires, you could be burned. Don't
drive with it off, and be careful working on the
engine with the air cleaner/filter off.
NOTICE:
If the air cleaner/filter is off, a backfire can cause
a damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which will damage it. Always
have the air cleaner/filter in place when
you're driving.
Air Filter Replacement
To check or replace the filter:
JE±16±0011±X
1. Release the four clips on
the cover.
2. Lift the cover up.

Second Printing for Chevrolet Tracker Owner's Manual ± 1999
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6-19
JE±16±0012±X
3. Pull out the filter and replace it.
4. Replace the cover and fasten the clips.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
Replacement (If Equipped)
Passenger compartment air, both outside and
recirculated air, is routed through a passenger
compartment air filter. The filter removes certain
contaminants from the air, including pollen and dust
particles. Reductions in airflow, which may occur more
quickly in dusty areas, indicate that the filter needs to
be replaced early. For how often to change the air filter,
see ªMaintenance Scheduleº in the Index.
The access panel for the air filter is in the glove box.
To replace the filter, follow these steps:
1. Lower the glove box to the second detent position.
Push in the sides of the glove box to completely
lower the door to allow access to the filters.
2. Remove the filter cover by lifting the top tab on
the cover.
3. Remove the top air filter, then lift out the lower filter.
4. Reverse the steps to install the new filters.
Once you remove your filter, if you choose not to
replace it, it will not damage your vehicle. However, the
air will no longer be filtered.

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6-20
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.
Change both the fluid and filter every 15,000 miles
(25 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:

In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90F (32C) or higher.

In hilly or mountainous terrain.

When doing frequent trailer towing.

Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the fluid and filter every
100,000 miles (166 000 km).
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you
may choose to have this done at the 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.
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.