check engine light CHEVROLET TRACKER 1994 Owners Manual

Features and Controls
Tachometer
The tachometer shows engine speed in
thousands of revolutions per minute
(rpm).
You can use it while driving to
select correct shift points. The tachometel
may not return to zero when the engine
is
not running.
NOTICE:
Do not operate the engine with the
tachometer in
the red area, or engine
damage may occur.
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and Indicators
This section describes the warning lights
and gages that may be on your vehicle.
The pictures will help you locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that
something
is wrong before it becomes
serious enough to cause
an expensive
repair or replacement. Paying attention to
your warning lights and gages could also
save you or others from injury.
Warning lights go
on when there may be
or is a problem with one
of your vehicle’s
functions.
As you will see in the details
on the next few pages, some warning
lights come
on briefly when you turn the
ignition key just to let you know they’re
working. If you are familiar with this
section, you should not be alarmed when
this happens.
Gages can indicate when there may be or
is a problem with one of your vehicle’s
functions. Often gages and warning lights
work together to
let you know when
there’s a problem with your vehicle.
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.
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Features and Controls
If the light comes on while you are
driving,
pull off the road and stop
carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder
to push. Or, the pedal may go
closer to the floor. It may take longer to
stop. If the light is still on. have the
vehicle towed for service. (See “Towing
Your Vehicle“
in the Index.)
p CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the brake system
warning light is on, Driving with the
brake system warning light on can
lead
to an accident. If the light is still
on after you’ve pulled off the road
and stopped carefully, have the
vehicle towed
for service.
The brake system warning light will also
come
on when you set your parking
brake, and
it will stay on if your parking
brake doesn’t release
fully. If it stays on
after your parking brake is fully released.
it means you have a brake problem.
‘ngine Coolant Temperature Gage
rhis gage shows the engine coolanl
emperature.
If the gage pointer moves to
he
”H” (red) side. your engine is too hot!
t means that your engine coolant has
)verheatcd and you should
stop your
ehicle and
turn off the engine HS soo~
Iossible.
1 as
HOT COOLANT CAN BURN YOU
BADLY!
In “Problems on the Road.” this manual
shows what to do. See ”Engine
Overheating”
in the Index.
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
this light on,
be certain to turn off all your
accessories. such as
the radio and air
conditioner.
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I1 1
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light)
A computer monitors operation of your
fuel, ignition and emission control
1 systems. This 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.
NOTICE:
If you keep driving your vehicle with
this light on. after
a while the ernis-
sion controls won't work as well,
your
fuel economy won't be as good
and your engine may
not run as
smoothly. This could lead to costly
repairs
not covered by your warranty.
Engine Oil Pressure Light
If you have a problem with your oil? this
light may stay
on after you start your
engine, or come
on when you are driving.
This indicates that there is not enough
pressure
to keep your engine properly
ILJbricated and
cool. The engine could be
low on oil, or have some other oil related
problem. Have
it fixed right away.
The oil light could also come
on in three
other situations.
When the ignition is on but the engine
is not running, the light will come on
as a test to show you it is working, but
the light will
go out when you turn the
engine to
"START." If it doesn't come
on with the ignition
on, you may have
71
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Features and Controls
a problem with the fuse or bulb. Have
it fixed right away.
Sometimes when the engine is idling
at a stop, the light may blink on and
off. This is normal.
If you make a hard stop, the light may
come on for a moment. This is
normal.
A CAUTION:
Don't keep driving if the oil pressure
is low, If' you do, your engine can
be~ome so hot that it catches fae.
You UT ol;krers could be burned.
Check your oil as SQOD as possible
and have yaw vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Damage to your engine from
neglected oil problems can be costly
and is not covered by your warranty.
laytime Running Lights (DRL)
ndicator Light (Canada)
F your vehicle was first sold, when new,
I Canada, you will have this light on the
xtrument panel.
It goes on whenever the
laytime Running Lights are on.
Convertible Top (OPTION)
Your convertible top features a sunroof, a
removable rear window and a removable
canvas top.
A CAlJTtON:
... 72
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Your Driving and the Road
long as your tailpipe is under water, you'll
never be able to
start your engine. When
you go through water, remember that
when your brakes get wet, it may take
you longer to stop.
After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has
collected
on the underbody, chassis or
under the hood. These accumulations can
be a fire hazard.
After operation in mud or sand, have the
brake linings cleaned and checked. These
substances can cause glazing and uneven
braking. Check the body structure,
steering, suspension, wheels, tires, and exhaust system
for damage.
Also, check
the fuel lines and cooling system for any
leakage.
Your vehicle will require more frequent
service due to off-road
use. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule for additional
information.
4 Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day
driving. One reason is that some drivers
are likely
to be impaired - by alcohol or
drugs, with night vision problems, or by
fatigue.
Here are some tips on night driving.
Drive defensively.
Don't drink and drive.
Adjust your inside rearview mirror to
reduce the glare from headlights
behind you.
Since you can't see as well,
you may
need to slow down and keep more space between
you and other vehicles.
. . .116
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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?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the
weather outlook along your route?
Should you delay your trip a short
time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date
maps?
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.
Then here are some tips:
0 Make sure your vehicle is well
ventilated, with a comfortably cool
interior.
0 Keep your eyes moving. Scan the
road ahead and to
the sides. Check
your mirrors and your instruments
frequently.
0 If you get sleepy, pull off the road into
a rest, service, or parking area and
take a nap, get some exercise,
or both.
For safety, treat drowsiness on the
highway as an emergency.
Hill and Mountain
Roads
Driving on steep hills or mountains is
different from driving
in flat or rolling
terrain. If you drive regularly in steep
country, or
if you’re planning to visit
there, here are some tips that can make
your trips safer and more enjoyable.
(See “Off-Road Driving” in the Index
for information about driving off-road.)
Keep your vehicle in good shape.
Check all fluid levels and also the
brakes, tires, cooling system and
transmission. These parts can work
hard
on mountain roads.
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Your Driving and the Road
passed vehicle before vou can return to
your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel
with one hand. Then, to move the trailer
to the left, just move that hand to the left.
To move
the trailer to the right, move
your hand to the right. Always back up
slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making Turns
When you’re turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal.
Do this so your
trailer won’t strike soft shoulders, curbs,
road signs, trees, or other objects. Avoid
jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well
in
advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has
to have a different turn signal flasher and
extra wiring. The green arrows on your
instrument panel will flash whenever you
signal a turn or lane change. Properly
hooked up, the trailer lights will also
flash, telling other drivers you’re about to
turn, change lanes or stop. When towing
a trailer, the green arrows
on your instrument panel will flash for
turns even
if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. Thus, you may think drivers
behind you are seeing your signal when
they are not. It’s important to check
occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs
are still working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before you start down a long or steep
downgrade. If you don’t shift down, you
might have to use your brakes
so much
that they would get hot and no longer
work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and
reduce your speed to around
45 mph
(70 km/h) to reduce the possibility of
engine and transmission overheating.
If
you are towing a trailer and you have
a manual transmission with fifth gear,
you may prefer not
to use fifth gear. Just
drive in fourth gear (or, as
you need to,
.a lower gear).
Parking on Hills
You really should not park your vehicle,
with a trailer attached, on a hill. If
something goes wrong, your
rig could start
to move. People can be injured, and
both your vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged.
But if you ever have to park
your rig on a
hill, here’s how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t
shift into
“F’” (Park) yet, or into gear
for a manual transmission.
2. Have someone place chocks under the
3. When the wheel chocks are in place,
release the regular brakes until the
chocks absorb the load.
trailer wheels.
4. Reapply the regular brakes.
Then
apply your parking brake, and then
shift to
‘T” (Park), or “R” (Reverse)
for a manual transmission.
5. If you have a four-wheel-drive
vehicle, be sure the transfer case is
in
a drive gear - not in “N” (Neutral).
6. Release the regular brakes.
. .-’ . 1 28
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~~
~~ ~ ~~~~ ~ Service and Appearance Care
Four- Wheel Drive
Most
lubricant checks in this section also
apply to four-wheel-drive vehicles.
However, they have
two additional
systems that need lubricatiog.
Transfer Case
When to Check qnd Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine how often to check the
lubricant and when to change
it. See
“Scheduled Maintenance Services”
in the
Index.
How to Check Lubricant
If the level is below the bottom of the
filler plug hole, you’ll need to add some
lubricant. Add enough lubricant to raise
the level to the bottom of the filler plug
hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine what kind of lybricant to use.
See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants”
in the Index.
Front Axle
When
to Check and Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to a
determine how often to check the
lubricant and when to change it. See
“Periodic Maintenance Inspections” and
“Scheduled Maintenance Services”
in the
Index.
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
-20°F (-29”C), or -34°F (-37°C)
in
Canada and for vehicles with the cold
climate option.
Give boiling protection up to 258°F
(125°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine
temperature.
Let the warning lights work as they
should.
What to Use:
Use a mixture of one-half clean water
(preferably distilled) and one-half
antifreeze that meets “GM Specification
6038-M,” which won’t damage aluminum
parts.
You can also use a recycled coolant
conforming to
“GM Specification
6038-M”
with a complete coolant flush
. . .I70
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Replacement Bulbs
Back-up ........................................................ 1156
Dome
...................................................... 96051559
Center High-Mounted Stop
........................................... 921
Front Parking and
Turn Signal .................................... 1157 NA
Headlight (Halogen) ............................................... 9004
Heater
or Air Conditioning Control ............................... 96052599
Charging System
............................................ 9433 184
Engine Oil Pressure
.......................................... 9433 184
4WD
...................................................... 9433184
Headlight High Beam
......................................... 9433 184
Instrument Cluster
............................................. 9605 156
Rear Defogger Switch ......................................... 9606 1736
Rear Hazard and
Turn Signal ........................................ 1156
Rear Wipermasher Switch
..................................... 9606 1736
Indicator and Warning
Brake
..................................................... 9433184
CheckEngine
............................................... 9433184
SafetyBelt
................................................. 9433184
Turnsignal
................................................. 9433184
Licenseplate
..................................................... 194
Lighter
...................................................... 9433184
Rearparkingandstop
............................................. 1157
Sidemarker ......................................... ............ 194
199 ...
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Index
Care Appearance
................. 189
Canvas Top
.................. 193
Cassette Tape Player .......... 97
Compact Discs
............... 98
Safety Belts
................. 191
Case. Transfer ................. 47
Case. Transfer (Service)
.......... 170
and Cornpact Disc Player
..... 94
Player
.................... 90
AM/FM Stereo with ........... 93
Stereo with ................ 89
ofYour
..................... 97
Certification/Tire Label .......... 18 1
Chains. Tire ................... 188
Changing a Flat Tire
............. 146
Charging System Light
.......... 70
Check Engine Light
............. 71
Cassette
Tape. To Play a
AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape
AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape
Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player.
Cassette Tape Player. AM/FM
Cassette Tape Player. Care
Checking Things under the
Hood
....................... 159
Checking Your Restraint Systems . . 33
Chemical Paint Spotting
.......... 194
Chevrolet/Geo Roadside Assistance Program
.................... 237
... 244
Chevrolet/Geo Service Publications
(Ordering Information)
........ 240
Child Restraints
.............. 27
Rear Seat
.............. . 28
Right Front Seat
............ 30
Top Strap
................... 28
Where to Put the
.............. 27
Children (Safety Belts)
........... 26
Children. Larger (Safely Belts)
.... 32
Cigarette Lighter ............... 62
Circuit Breakers. Fuses and ....... 196
City Driving ................... I19
Cleaner. Air ................. 165
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels
........ 193
Canvas Top
.................. 193
Fabric
...................... I90
Glass
....................... 191
Inside of Your Geo ............ 189
Instrument Panel. Top of
....... 19 1
Leather ..................... 19 1
Outside of Your Geo .......... 192
Problems. Special
............. 190
Vinyl
...................... 191
Clock. Setting the ............... 88
Clutch Adjustment
.............. I69
Coinholder and Bin ............. 61
Comfort Controls
............... 84
Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
.................... 83
Windshield and Wiper Blades ... 192 Compact
Disc.
To Play a ......... 95
with Cassette Tape and
......... 93
Compact Disc Player. AM/FM Stereo
Compact Discs. Care
of Your ...... 98
Compartments. Door Storage ...... 60
Compartments. Storage and ....... 60
Control of a Vehicle ............. 102
Control.
Loss of ................ 107
Controls Air Conditioner
.............. 85
Brightness .................. 57
Comfort
.................... 84
Features and
................. 35
Heater ...................... 84
Seat ........................ 10
Convertible Top
................ 72
Convex Outside Mirror
..... 59
Coolant Adding
..................... 171
Heater. Engine ............... 41
Recovery Tank
............. 142
Cooling
....................... 85
Cooling System ................ 141
Courtesy Transportation .......... 237
Cupholder
..................... 61
Curves. Driving on .............. 104
Engine
..................... 170
How to Add
to the Coolant
How to Add
to the Radiator ..... 144
Temperature Gage. Engine ...... 70
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