check engine light CHEVROLET TRACKER 1993 Owners Manual

c
When one of the warning lights comes
on and stays on
when you are driving,
or when one of the gages shows there
may be a problem, check the section
that tells you what to do about
it. Please
follow the manual’s advice. Waiting to
do repairs can
be costly - and even
dangerous. So please get to know your
warning lights and gages. They’re a big
help.
Fuel Gage
Your fuel gage shows about how much
fuel
is in your tank. When the gage first
indicates
E, you still have a little fuel
left (about one
or two gallons), but you
need to get more right away.
Here are four concerns some owners
have had about the fuel gage. All these
situations are normal and do not indicate
that anything is wrong
with the fuel
gage.
At the gas station, the gas pump shuts
It takes more (or less) gas to fill up
off before the
gage reads
F.
than the gage reads. For example, the
gage reads
1/2 full, but it took more
(or less) than half of the tank’s
capacity to fill it.
The gage moves a little when you
turn, stop or speed up.
When you turn the engine off, the
gage doesn’t
go back to E.
83. 9
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Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant
temperature. If the gage pointer moves
to the “H” (red) side, your engine is
too hot! It means that your engine
coolant has overheated and you should
stop your vehicle and turn off the engine
as soon as possible.
HOT
COOLANT CAN BURN YOU
BADLY!
In “Problems on the Road, ” this
manual shows what to do. See “Engine
Overheating’’
in the Index.
-I
I L
Charging System Light
This light will come on briefly when
you turn on
the ignition, but the engine
is not running, as a check to show you it
is working. Then it should go out when
the engine starts. If it stays on, or
comes on while you are driving, you
may
have a problem with the electrical
charging system. It could indicate that
you have a loose generator drive belt, or
another electrical problem. Have
it
checked right away. Driving while this
light
is on could drain your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with
the light
on, be certain to turn off
all your accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light)
A computer monitors operation of your
fuel, ignition and emission control
systems. The light should come on when
the ignition is on, but the engine is not
running, as a check to show you
it is
working. If
it does not come on at all,
have it fixed right away. If it stays
on,
or comes on while you are driving, the
computer is indicating that you have
a
problem. You should take your vehicle
in for service soon.
85.9.
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IC CA UTlON
A
Don’t keep driving if the oil
pressure is low. If you do,
your engine can become so hot
that it catches
on fire. You or
others could be burned. Check
your oil as soon as possible
and
have your vehicle serviced.
NOTlCE
Damage to your engine from
neglected oil problems can
costly
and is not covered by your
I
Convertible Top (OPTION)
Your convertible top features a sunroof,
a removable rear window and a
removable canvas top.
I- ~-
A Don’t change the center
- pillars or horizontal roof
support. These parts are designed
to help protect you and passengers
in a crash. Don’t
add anything,
like light bars or roll bars, to these
parts, either. If the center pillars
or horizontal roof support
are ever
damaged, be sure to have them
repaired
as soon as possible so
they’ll be able to protect you in a
crash.
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I Driving a Long
Distunce
Although most long trips today are made
on freeways, there are still many made
on regular highways.
Long-distance driving on freeways and
regular highways is the same in some
ways. The trip has
to be planned and the
vehicle prepared, you drive at
higher-than-city speeds, and there are
longer turns behind the wheel. You’ll
l enjoy your trip more if you and your
vehicle are in good shape. Here are
some tips for a successful long trip.
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 Geo 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?
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?
167-9.
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Your Driving and the Road
.._
176
If you have no blankets or extra
clothing, make body insulators from
newspapers, burlap bags, rags, floor
mats
- anything you can wrap around
yourself or tuck under your clothing to
keep warm.
You can run the engine to keep warm,
but be careful.
A
Snow can trap exhaust gases
under your vehicle. This can
cause deadly
CO (carbon
monoxide) gas to get inside.
CO
could overcome you and kill you.
You can't see it or smell it,
so you
might not know it was in your
vehicle. Clear away snow from around the base
of your vehicle,
especially any that is blocking your
exhaust pipe. And check around
again from time to time to be sure
snow doesn't collect there.
Open a window just a little on
the
side of the vehicle that's away
from the wind. This will help keep
co out. Run your engine only as long as you
must. This saves fuel. When
you run the
engine, make it go a little faster than
just idle. That is, push the accelerator
slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat
that you get and it keeps the battery
charged. You will
need a well-charged
battery to restart the vehicle, and
possibly for signaling later on with your
headlights.
Let the heater run for
awhile.
Then, shut the engine off and close the
window almost all the way to preserve
the heat.
Start the engine again and
repeat this only when you feel really
uncomfortable from the cold. But do it
as little as possible. Preserve the fuel as
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Service & Appearance Care
How to Check Lubricant:
If the level is below the bottom of the
filler plug hole, you’ll need to add some
lubricant.
If the differential is at operating
temperature (warm), add enough
lubricant to raise the level to the bottom
of the filler plug hole.
If the differential
is cold, add enough
lubricant to raise the level to
1/2 inch
(12 mm) below the filler plug hole.
What to Use:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine what kind of lubricant to use.
See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in the Index.
Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling
system and how to add coolant when it
is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see “Engine
Overheating” in the Index.
The proper coolant for your Geo will:
Give freezing protection down to
Give boiling protection up to 258°F
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine
Let the warning lights work as they
-34°F (-37°C).
(125°C).
temperature. should.
What to Use:
Use a mixture of one-half clean water
(preferably distilled) and one-half
antifreeze or approved recycled coolant
that meets “GM Specification 6038M,”
which won’t damage aluminum parts.
Also use GM Engine Coolant
Supplement (sealer) with a complete
coolant change. If you use these, you
don’t need to add anything else.
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1
I Fuses and Circuit
Breakers
The wiring circuits in your car are
protected from short circuits
by fuses,
circuit breakers
or a thermal link in the
wiring itself. This greatly reduces
the
chance of fires caused by electrical
problems.
The main fuse
box in your engine
compartment
on the right side. It
protects all electrical loads. For
access to the main fuses, pull off
cover.
A spare fuse is also inside the
fuse box. Another fuse
box is under
the left side
of the instrument panel. The fuses here
protect each separate circuit including
headlights.
If you have electrical failure,
check here first.
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Service & Appearance
I Replacement Bulbs
Care
Back-up ............................................................. 1156
Dome
............................................................. 9605 1559
Front Parking and Turn Signal
......................................... 1157 NA
Headlight (Halogen) ..................................................... 9004
Heater or Air Conditioning Control
.................................... 96052599
Charging System
................................................... 9433184
Check Engine
..................................................... 9433 184
Engineoil Pressure
................................................ 9433184
Indicator
and Warning
Brake
............................................................ 9433184
4WD
............................................................. 9433184
Headlight HighBeam
............................................... 9433184
Safety Belt
........................................................ 9433184
TurnSignal
....................................................... 9433184
Instrument Cluster
.................................................... 9605 156
License Plate
............................................................ 194
Lighter
............................................................. 9433184
Rear Defogger Switch
............................................. 96061736
Rear Wiper/Washer Switch
........................................... 9606 1736
Rear
Hazard and Turn Signal
........................................... 1156
Rear Parking andstop
................................................... 1157
Sidemarker
................................................. ........ 194
9 - 276
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Index
Add-on Electrical Equipment ...... 272
Adjustment. Brake
............... 13 1
Adjustment. Clutch
............... 238
Air Cleaner
..................... 233
Air Conditioner Controls
.......... 104
Air Filter Replacement
............ 234
Alignment. Wheel
............... 259
Aluminum Wheel Cleaning
........ 269
Antenna
........................ 116
Anti-lock Brakes
................. 129
Anti-lock. To Use
................ 130
Appearance Care
................ 26 1
Appearance Care and Maintenance
Materials
..................... 27 1
Appearance Care. Service and
...... 22 1
Ashtray. Front ................... 77
Assist Grips. Passenger
............ 76
Audio Systems
.................. 106
AM/FM Stereo
................ 108
AM/FM Stereo with
Cassette Tape Player
.......... 110
Automatic Transmission
............ 5 1
Fluid ........................ 234
TorqueLock
.................. 173
Axle. Front (Four-Wheel-Drive)
.... 239
Axle, Rear
...................... 238
Ashtray and
Lighter
............... 77
Ashtrays, Other
.................. 77
Babies. Smaller Children and
(Safety Belts)
................... 30
Backing Up (With a Trailer)
........ 183
Balance. Tire
................... 259
Battery
......................... 247
Bi-Level Heating
................ 103
Bin. Coinholder and
............... 76
Bins. Instrument Panel
............. 75
Brakes
Before Leaving on a Long
Trip
..... 167
Blizzard. If You’re Caught
in a ..... 175
Adjustment
.................. -13 1
Anti-lock
..................... 129
Master Cylinder
............... 245
Parking
....................... 60
PedalTravel
.................. 131
Rear Drum
.................... 130
System Parts. Replacing
......... 247
System Warning Light
........... 84
Trailer
....................... 18 1
Wear Indicators. Disc
........... 130
Braking ........................ 127
Braking in Emergencies
........... 132
“Break-In.
.. New Vehicle .......... 48
Brightness Control
................ 7 1
Bulb Replacement ................ 248
Front Parking and Turn
Signal Light
................. 249
Headlights
.................... 248
Sidemarker Light
.............. 250
Rear Combination Light
......... 25
1 Bulbs. Halogen
.................. 248
Bulbs. Replacement
.............. 276
Canvas TOP
Preparing for Storage
............ 96
Removing and Installing Your
..... 91
Special Care
for ................ 268
Carbon Monoxide (Engine Exhaust)
. . 64
Care of Canvas Top
.............. 268
Cassette Tape Player. Care of Your
. . 115
Cassette Tape. To Play a
.......... 111
Certification Label
............... 252
Chains. Safety (Trailer)
........... 181
Chains. Tire
.................... 261
Changing a Flat Tire
.............. 208
Charging System Light
............. 85
Check Engine Light
............... 85
Capacities
and Specifications
....... 277
Checking Things under the Hood
.... 227
Checking Your Restraint Systems
.... 39
Chemical Paint Spotting ........... 270
Chevrolet/Geo Roadside
Assistance
.................... 319
Chevrolet/Geo Service Publications
Ordering Information
........... 318
Child Restraints
.................. 31
Securing in the Rear Seat
......... 34
Securing in the Right Front Seat .... 36
Top Strap. Right Front
Passenger Position Only
........ 33
325 .
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Halogen Bulbs .................. 248
Halogen Headlight Bulb
Replacement
.................. 248
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......... 190
Haze. Driving in Fog. Mist and ..... 162
Head Restraints
................... 14
Headlights Halogen Bulb Replacement
....... 248
High/Low Beam
................ 70
Lever. Turn Signal/Lights
ControVHeadlight Beam
........ 67
Lights On Reminder
............. 69
Heater Controls ................. 102
Heating
........................ 103
Heating. Bi-Level
................ 103
High Beams
..................... 159
High/Low Beam. Headlight
......... 70
Highway Hypnosis
............... 168
Hill and Mountain Roads
.......... 169
Hill. Approaching a
.............. 146
Hills. Parking
on ................. 171
Hills. Driving on Off-Road
........ 145
Hitches (Trailer)
................. 180
Hood Release
................... 227
Hook-Ups. Front Towing
.......... 198
Hook-Ups. Rear Towing .......... 199
Hooks. Recovery
................ 2 18
Horn ........................... 67 Hubs. Free-Wheeling
.............. 58
Automatic
..................... 59
Manual
........................ 59
Hydroplaning
................... 16.1
Hypnosis. Highway .............. 168
Ice. Driving on Snow or .......... 174
Identification
Engine
....................... 272
Label. Service Parts
............ 272
Number. Vehicle
............... 272
Ignition Switch
................... 48
Incline. Driving across an
......... 152
Incline. Stalling on an
............. 154
Indicators. Warning Lights. Gages and
..................... 82
Inflation
- Tire Pressure .......... 254
Inspections. Periodic Maintenance
. . 303
Instrument Panel And Clusters
................... 80
Bins .......................... 75
Cleaning the Top of the
.......... 266
Fuse Block
.................... 275
Interior Lights
.................... 7 1
Jump Starting .................. 19 1
Keys ................ .... 44
Label. Certification
.............. 252
Label. Tire-Loading Information
.... 252 Lamp. Malfunction Indicator
. . ... 85
Lane Change Indicator. Turn
Signal and
..................... 68
Lap-Shoulder Belt (Safety Belt)
...... 24
Leather Cleaning
................ 265
Leaving the Freeway
............. 165
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running
................. 62
Levers Controls (Comfort Control System)
.................... 102
Turn SignaULights ControUHeadlight Beam
........ 67
Windshield Wiper/Washer
........ 72
Lighter. Cigarette
................. 77
Lights Brake System Warning
........... 84
Charging System
................ 85
Check Engine
.................. 85
Dome ......................... 71
Engine Oil Pressure
............. 85
Interior ........................ 71
Malfunction Indicator
............ 85
Oil Pressure. ................... 86
On Reminder ................... 69
Operation of ................... 69
Safety Belt Reminder ............ 23
Traffic
....................... 120
Warning. Gages and Indicators
.... 82
9 328
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