oil CHEVROLET TRACKER 1995 User Guide

Engine Oil
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil level 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 a
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down.
t
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When to Add Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD mark, you’ll need to
add some oil. But you must use the right kind. This part
explains what kind
of oil to use. For crankcase capacity,
see “Capacities and Specifications” in the Index.
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. 8-Valve Engine 16-Valve Engine
Just 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.
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What Kind of Oil to Use
Oils of the proper quality for your vehicle can be
identified by looking
for the “Starburst” symbol. The
“Starburst” symbol indicates that the oil has been
certified by the American Petroleum Institute
(API), and
is preferred for use
in your gasoline engine.
If you change your own oil, be sure to 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:
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAE VISCOSITY GRADE OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE. __ ~ ~ .~
HOT
WEATHER --
+ 80
+ 60
t 20
-. -. ./ \.. ~ ,.,’ ,
COLD
WEATHER
LOOK
FOR THIS
SYMBOL
SAE ZW-30 PREFERRED
DO NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY OTHER
GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
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As shown in the chart, SAE 5W-30 is best for your
vehicle. However, you can use
SAE 10W-30 if it's going
to be 0°F (-18°C) or above. 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
"Starburst" symbol. Failure to use the proper oil
can result in engine damage not covered by your
warranty.
GM Goodwrench@ oil (in Canada, GM Engine Oil)
meets all the requirements for your vehicle.
Engine Oil Additives
Don't add anything to your oil. Your Chevrolet/Geo
dealer is ready to advise if you think something should
be added.
When to Change Engine Oil
See if any one of these is true for you:
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 krn).
This
is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
driving in stop and
go traffic).
Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
You operate your vehicle in dusty areas or off-road
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
frequently.
your vehicle.
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 comes first.
If none of them is true, change oil and filter every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 7.5 months -- whichever
comes first.
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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.
Air Cleaner
8-Valve Engine
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the air filter and the crankcase ventilation filter.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.
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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 Chevrolet/Geo dealer
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.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission fluid level if you have been driving:
0 When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
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).
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How to Add Fluid Manual Transmission Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of transmission fluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
Add fluid only after checking the transmission fluid
HOT. (A COLD check is used only as a reference.) If
the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper
fluid to bring the level up to the
HOT area for a hot
check. It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than a
pint.
Don ’t ove$ZZ. We recommend you use only fluid
labeled DEXRON@-111, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRON@-I11 is
not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check.’’
When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
When to Check and Change
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
changed. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine when to change
your transmission 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 Chevrolet/Geo dealer
Service Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get
a false reading.
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Front Axle Engine Coolant
When to Check and Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to 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. 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:
0 Give freezing protection down to -33°F (-36°C).
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 1825M,” which won’t damage aluminum
parts. You can also use a recycled coolant conforming to
GM Specification 1825M with a complete coolant flush
and refill. If you use this mixture, you don’t need to add
anything else.
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To Check Brake Fluid
You can check the brake
fluid without taking off the
cap. Just look at the
windows on the brake fluid
reservoir. The fluid levels should be above
MIN. If
they aren’t, have your brake
system checked to see
if
there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system, make
sure the levels are above
MIN and below the top of each
window.
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake
fluid
-- such as Delco Supreme 1 l@ (GM Part
No. 1052535). Use new brake fluid from a sealed
container only, and always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap before removing it.
I NOTICE:
Don’t let someone put in the wrong kind of
fluid, For example, just
a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in
your brake system can damage brake
system parts
so badly that they’ll have to be
replaced.
0 Brake fluid can damage paint, so be careful
not to spill brake fluid on your vehicle.
If
you do, wash it off immediately. See
“Appearance Care” in the Index.
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Using Foam-Qpe Cleaner on Fabric
0
0
0
0
0
0
Vacuum and brush the area to remove any loose dirt.
Always clean a whole trim panel or section. Mask
surrounding trim along stitch
or welt lines.
Mix multi-purpose powdered cleaner following the
directions
on the container label.
Use suds only and apply with a clean sponge.
Don’t saturate the material.
Don’t rub it roughly.
As soon as you’ve cleaned the section, use a sponge
to remove the suds.
Rinse the section with a clean, wet sponge.
’wipe
off what’s left with a slightly damp paper towel
or cloth.
Then dry it immediately with a blow dryer or a heat
lamp.
I NOTICE:
Be careful. A blow dryer or a heat lamp may
scorch the fabric.
Wipe with a clean cloth.
Using Solvent-Qpe Cleaner on Fabric
First, see if you have to use solvent-type cleaner at all.
Some spots and stains will clean off better with just
water and mild soap.
If you need
to use a solvent:
0 Gently scrape excess soil from the trim material with
a clean, dull knife or scraper. Use very little cleaner,
light pressure and clean cloths (preferably
cheesecloth). Cleaning should start at the outside of
the stain, “feathering” toward the center. Keep
changing
to a clean section of the cloth.
0 When you clean a stain from fabric, immediately dry
the area with a blow dryer or a heat lamp
to help
prevent a cleaning ring. (See the previous NOTICE.)
Fabric Protection
Your Geo has upholstery that has been treated with
Scotchgard
TM Fabric Protector, a 3M product.
Scotchgard’“ protects fabrics by repelling oil and water,
which are the carriers
of most stains. Even with this
protection,
you still need to clean your upholstery often
to keep it looking new.
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